Medical-Surgical Orthopedics RN
Council Bluffs, Iowa
CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs

Registered Nurse (Med Surg Ortho)

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 13 weeks)
Shift: 12-hour shifts (0630-1900, 1830-0700)
Hours Guaranteed: 36 hours per week
Weekend Requirement: Every third weekend (Friday and Saturday for night shifts)
Scheduling: Self-scheduling
Floating: May float to Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and behavioral health unit

Unit Information

• Department: Medical-Surgical / Orthopedics
• Bed Count: 28 plus 22 overflow
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:5
• Nurse Aide/Patient Care Tech Ratio: 1:10
• Charge Nurse present on each shift and takes assignment
• Telemetry/monitor techs available in ICU; monitors present on unit at main nurses station
• Common patient diagnoses: total knees, total hips, shoulder replacements, COPD, diabetes, wounds, IV infusions, dementia, oncology, fractures (hips, ankles), sepsis, pneumonia, cholelithiasis, ambulatory dysfunction, appendicitis, acute respiratory distress, CHF, dementia, alcohol/drug abuse
• RNs are not required to titrate drips
• Common drips: Heparin, IV antibiotics, antithrombotics, narcotics
• Primary patient population: Caucasian, low to middle class; includes homeless and patients with mental health and/or addiction history

Orientation & Training

• First week: Classroom orientation
• Followed by one 12-hour shift on the unit
• RN’s must pass a pass/fail open book exam during orientation with a minimum score of 90% to continue employment

Dress Code

• Scrub color: Navy Blue

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse license valid in Iowa or compact license
• Minimum 1 year of unit experience in Med Surg or Orthopedics
• BLS Certification required
• Must comply with fingernail policy: artificial nails prohibited in all patient care areas
• Driver’s license required at submission to verify candidate location within 50 miles radius
• Candidates may not be currently or recently employed (full time, part time, or PRN) within the past year at any facility associated with certain large health systems within 50 miles

Additional Notes

• Unit emphasizes hourly rounding and bedside shift report
• Candidates should be flexible, self-directed, and open to change and learning
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required

This job is suitable for Med Surg or Ortho RNs seeking a short-term contract in a community hospital setting with a diverse patient population.