Location: Columbia, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Day shift, 3x12 hours (7:00 to 19:30), 12 hours per day, 36 hours per week
Contract Options: 36- or 48-hour contracts available
Local Candidates: Accepted, but not eligible for extensions beyond the initial contract
First-Time Travelers: Accepted
Unit and Assignment
Unit: Medical Specialties, a 57-bed maximum capacity unit serving internal medicine patients with a wide range of medical diagnoses
Float Scope: Required to float to MS and MS/Telemetry
Room Amenities: Video monitoring capability, sitter rooms (up to 4 and 2 patients), ceiling lifts, and bariatric rooms
Support: Charge nurse and supervisor on every shift
Average Ratios: 1:5 on days and 1:6 on nights, though day shift may go up to 6 patients and night shift up to 7 at times
Responsibilities
Actively participates in the growth and development of peers and students through direct mentorship and clinical preceptorship
Required Qualifications
Valid Registered Nurse license in Missouri
Two years of Med Surg / Telemetry experience, with at least some of that experience within the last year
BLS certification issued by American Heart Association (Provider card) or American Red Cross
Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
Physical Demands
Ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs
Routine contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses
Works in a facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with rotating shifts, holidays, and work during inclement weather
Essential Functions
Work at the assigned location for the full contract term
Work the substantial time of the assigned shift
Take call
Work assigned weekends
Work at least 50% of the holidays that occur during the contract (Thanksgiving and Christmas); requests off for holidays are not granted, but the traveler can choose which holidays to work to meet the 50% requirement
Onboarding and Clearance Requirements
Background checks: 7-year background check, EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG exclusion checks, and Missouri state searches (EDL and either FCSR or Caregiver search), all within 60 days of start. Either the FCSR or Caregiver search must be on file to start; both cannot be pending.
Drug screen: Negative 7-panel drug test within 60 days of start (instant drug screen acceptable)
TB: Negative QuantiFERON (QGold) or T-SPOT within 1 year of start, or a true 2-step PPD within 1 year of start, updated annually. Positive TB results require a chest X-ray within 2 years and proof of INH treatment or a signed INH recommendation.
Immunizations: Proof of two MMR vaccines or a positive titer for measles, mumps, and rubella; proof of two varicella vaccines or a positive titer; Hepatitis B series or positive titer (no declinations accepted for candidates signed on or after 7/1/2023); Tdap within 10 years. Religious and declination exemptions are not accepted for MMR or varicella; medical exemptions require facility approval.
Flu: Vaccine or facility-approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (10/01 to 03/31), with a deadline of 10/31 for working candidates
Physical exam: Within 1 year of start, not required annually
Fit testing: Valid fit test within 1 year of start for 3M 1870+, 1860R, 1860S, or 9205 masks; failed fit tests require tracking and may limit onsite work
Competency: Competency exam and skills checklist (updated annually)
Documentation: Photo ID, E-Verify proof, Access and Confidentiality Agreement, New Hire Packet, and Certification of Employment Eligibility, all within 60 days of start
Employment history: Resume covering at least 7 years of employment with no gap over 30 days, including dates, city, state, and position held for each job, plus education with completion dates
Facility
University of Missouri Hospital
3.9rating(69 reviews)
6 nurses recommend working with University of Missouri Hospital
A
Anonymous
ICU - Intensive Care Unit (RN)
Contract Position
4.0rating
Review of University of Missouri Hospital on Nov 5, 2026
The cost of living in Columbia, MO is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Wages generally match up with the lower cost of living.
Weather
Columbia experiences hot summers with average highs of 87°F and lows of 68°F, and cold winters with average highs of 38°F and lows of 20°F.
Furnished Housing
Short term rentals and furnished housing options are available in Columbia, and they are relatively easy to find due to the city's student population and frequent short-term visitors.
Transportation
Columbia is car-friendly with well-maintained roads, and public transportation options include buses operated by the city's transit system.
Demographics
Columbia has a diverse population with a mix of students, families, and professionals.
Common health issues may include allergies due to seasonal changes.
Columbia has a large population of travel nurses due to its medical facilities and university.
Things to Do
Columbia offers a variety of restaurants, art galleries, live music venues, and sports activities.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city's parks, trails, and nearby conservation areas.
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