Med Surg Telemetry RN
Quincy, Illinois
Blessing Hospital

Job Opportunity: Med Surg/Telemetry RN - Quincy, Illinois

Position Details

• Specialty: Med Surg/Telemetry
• Location: Quincy, Illinois
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Unit: Med Surg/Telemetry - Inpatient Surgical (3rd floor)
• Beds: 48 (across two buildings)
• Nurse:Patient Ratios:

  • Day: 1:4-6
  • Night: 1:5-6 (LPNs available)
• Primary Care Nursing Model: Frequently used; candidates must be comfortable with this model.

Required Certifications

• BLS (AHA)
• NIHSS

Patient Population / Common Diagnoses

• Neuro surgeries: laminectomy, cervical fusion
• LESI (Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection)
• Abdominal surgeries: ostomies, hernia repair
• Joint replacements: total hips/knees
• Vascular: femoral-popliteal bypass
• Dialysis catheter insertions (dialysis unit located on the same floor)
• Amputations: BKA (below knee), AKA (above knee)
• PICC lines, TPN, Lipids
• Pain management: PCA pumps, epidurals, narcotics
• Sepsis management
• Urgent OR cases

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum 1 year surgical experience (must have total joint experience)
• Understanding of PCA pumps and narcotic reversal drugs (e.g., Narcan)
• Experience with TPN and lipids
• Sepsis management skills
• Familiarity with narcotic usage

Clinical Responsibilities

• RN required to titrate heparin drips per protocol
• RNs interpret telemetry strips (Draeger monitors used)
• Tele/Monitor techs present on unit
• Charge nurse usually takes a smaller patient assignment to assist
• Nurse aides available but may be pulled for sitter duties, especially on night shift
• Respiratory therapy manages CPAP, Airvo, and occasional BiPAP on unit

Scheduling & Shifts

• 12-hour shifts starting at 7 AM
• Scheduling out 6 weeks in advance
• No guaranteed block scheduling; discuss needs with leadership
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
• Holiday rotation with core staff
• No call or standby requirements

Floating

• Float only to like units
• If floated to higher acuity, work as support without patient load

Orientation

• Unit-specific orientation: 1 twelve-hour shift on day of hire
• First day includes 12-14 hours for competencies, computer modules, and general orientation

Additional Notes

• Fast-paced environment with heavy patient load
• Can expect 8-12 surgery admits per day plus discharges during 12-hour day shifts
• Dress code: black scrubs