Inpatient Trauma & General Surgery RN (Stepdown & Floor)
Morgantown, West Virginia
Ruby Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: 7E Trauma General Surgery Inpatient Unit

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Unit: 7 EAST - Trauma & General Surgery Inpatient Unit
• Type: Stepdown & Floor
• Beds: 30-33 total (12-15 Floor, 18 Stepdown)
• Patient Types: Multi-trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), fractures, general surgery (cholecystectomy, ostomies, etc.), bariatric surgery, and other typical medical-surgical patients
• Special Recognition: Nationally recognized Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center

Staffing & Ratios

• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios:

  • Floor: 1:6
  • Stepdown: 1:3
• Charge Nurse: Budgeted free charge nurse 24/7
• House Supervisor: Available
• Nurse Aides: Called "Clinical Associates," typically 4 when fully staffed
• Respiratory Therapy: Available 24/7 (stable/chronic vents only)
• Monitor Techs: Yes, monitor techs read and run telemetry, but RNs must validate and be able to read strips

Required Certifications & Experience

• Certifications: BLS required
• Experience:

  • Complex wound care
  • Management of drains and devices
  • Traumatic injuries including chest tubes and respiratory support
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Complex spinal cord injuries
  • Other medical and surgical conditions typical to trauma and general surgery patients

Clinical Skills & Responsibilities

• Drip Management:

  • Floor: Heparin, PCA pumps
  • Stepdown: Insulin, Cardizem, and other non-pressor drips
• Floating: Required to float to like units (floor/stepdown)
• Telemetry: RNs must be able to read and validate cardiac strips

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Shifts:

  • Day: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Night: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend or 2 weekends per 4-week schedule
• Holiday Requirement: Yes, integrated with permanent staff holiday schedule
• Dress Code: Royal Blue scrubs
• Orientation: Unit/department-specific orientation required (confirmation needed)

Additional Notes

• This is a high-impact, fast-paced unit with challenging patient care that allows nurses to practice at the top of their scope.
• Nurses collaborate closely with care management, surgical and medical services, rehabilitation, and perioperative services.
• The unit offers exposure to both floor and stepdown levels of care, providing a broad and deep clinical experience.
• Weekend night shifts may include Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday coverage.

Compliance & Submission Requirements

• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (2 Moderna/Pfizer shots or 1 J&J shot) or approved exemption required.
• Must have a valid, unexpired driver’s license with an address outside 50 miles from the facility.
• Only one submission allowed at a time across the entire WVU system.
• Previous permanent candidates must have been off the unit for 2 years; previous travelers must have been off for 2 years after 1 full year of travel.
• Travel teams must be submitted together.
• Maximum of 2 candidates submitted per opening; additional submissions held until a spot opens.

This position is ideal for experienced trauma/general surgery nurses seeking a dynamic inpatient environment with a variety of complex patient care challenges.