RN Med Surg Observation Unit
Marquette, Michigan
UP Health System Marquette

Registered Nurse – Med Surg (Observation Unit)

Location

• Marquette, Michigan
• Central region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula
• Adult patient population (>18 years old)
• 10-bed Observation Unit in a Level 2 Trauma facility

Employment Type

• Travel contract
• Contract length: 13 weeks
• Shift: 5 days / 5 nights, 12-hour shifts
• Weekly guaranteed hours: 36 hours (0.9 FTE)
• Weekend and holiday work required
• Float required to Medical, Cardiac, and Neuro-Ortho units
• No mandated call requirements

Unit & Patient Care

• Observation Unit focuses on short-term evaluation and treatment (typically 24–48 hours) to determine admission or safe discharge
• Patient types include those meeting observation status criteria such as chest pain, asthma exacerbation, TIA, abdominal pain, urinary issues, blood sugar issues, DVT/PE, cellulitis, post-procedural monitoring, and minor trauma
• Patient ratio approximately 1:5 (no defined ratios)
• Equipment includes cardiac monitors
• Electronic Health Record system: Cerner

Key Responsibilities

• Perform timely initial and frequent patient assessments
• Implement and adjust care plans based on provider orders and clinical judgment
• Administer medications, treatments, IV therapies, and diagnostic preparation per protocol
• Monitor vital signs, labs, and diagnostic results; report changes promptly
• Provide patient education on diagnosis, treatment, medications, and discharge instructions
• Coordinate care with physicians, case management, and multidisciplinary teams
• Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately
• Facilitate admission, transfer, and discharge workflows
• Support safe transitions of care including follow-up appointments and teaching
• Respond to urgent situations and perform emergency interventions within scope of practice
• Maintain compliance with infection control, patient safety, hospital policies, and regulatory requirements
• Participate in performance improvement activities

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Michigan
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 1 year of recent experience in Medical-Surgical and Telemetry nursing
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
• Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification

Additional Information

• Orientation occurs bi-weekly
• Dress code: galaxy blue scrubs
• Attendance policy:

  • Second absence results in formal warning
  • Third absence may result in contract termination unless otherwise agreed
  • All absences must be made up to maintain contracted hours
• No guarantee on block scheduling

This position offers a fast-paced environment requiring strong clinical judgment, efficient care coordination, and compassionate patient-centered care within a specialty observation unit.