Emergency Room Nurse
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Mercy Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Emergency Room (ER)

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work in a Level III trauma, Stroke and STEMI certified adult/pediatric combined ER with 37 staffed beds.
• Expected to float to a free-standing 14-bed ER as needed (8 miles away, 5–10 minute drive). No mid-shift floating.
• Schedule includes every 3rd weekend.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of ER experience required.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.

Certifications Required

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
• ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course)
• EPIC experience required

Vaccination Requirements

• COVID and Flu vaccine required; COVID exemption may be accepted with proper documentation and approval.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Valid state license with primary source verification within 30 days of start.
• Background checks including 7-year county, national federal, USA criminal, social security trace, sex offender, OFAC sanctions, HHS/OIG, EPLS/GSA/SAM, and FACIS III (as applicable). All must be within 30 days of assignment start.
• Education verification and diploma/transcript required.
• Drug testing: 10-panel including THC within 30 days of start.
• Physical exam or statement of health within 1 year of start, signed by MD, DO, NP, ARNP, or PA.
• Fit mask test within 12 months (3M-N95 mask sizes specified).
• Immunizations and titers required: Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap, Negative TB or Chest X-Ray (QuantiFERON gold or TSpot within 90 days), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Flu seasonal vaccination/documentation required annually by October 31 or approved exemption on file.
• COVID-19 vaccination preferred but not mandatory as of 7/7/2025.

Competency Exams

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (80% pass rate)
• Color Blind Testing (HRR-Ishihara test, 100% passing score)
• Unit-specific competency exams (80% pass rate)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam (for ER, ICU, CCU, Telemetry RNs)
• Core Competency Exams Part I, II, III (updated annually, 80% pass rate)

Additional Requirements

• Mandatory Reporter Certification for Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse training (Iowa state specific).
• Skills checklist for ER and any floated units.
• Two supervisory references required, at least one within the last year, both from the specialty area.
• Employment history verification for the last 7 years with no gaps greater than 30 days.
• Completion of facility-specific online modules (currently completed onsite).
• Signing of facility-specific memorandums and acknowledgment of safety manuals including HIPAA.

Work Environment

• Adult and pediatric ER in a Level III trauma center.
• Stroke and STEMI certified.
• Floating to a nearby free-standing ER as needed.

This position is ideal for experienced ER Registered Nurses who meet the certification and compliance requirements and are comfortable working in a fast-paced trauma and emergency care environment.