Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Mercy Medical Center

Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical (Travel/Contract)

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Shift: Night (4 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
Schedule: 4 shifts per week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Provide nursing care on a Medical Surgical unit during night shifts.
• Work four 12-hour shifts per week, primarily Thursday through Sunday.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Iowa.
• Minimum of 1 year of Medical Surgical nursing experience, with experience within the last year.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Background and Compliance Requirements

• Background checks must be completed within 30 days of assignment start, including:

  • 7-year county checks (updated annually or with location change)
  • National Federal, USA Criminal Search (if lived outside Iowa in last 7 years)
  • Social Security Trace (updated annually or with location change)
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, OFAC Sanctions List, Sex Offender Search, FACIS III

• All background checks must include alias/all names search. Pending checks are not accepted.

• Education verification through the traveler’s school or National Student Clearinghouse for highest level of education. Diploma or transcript alone is not sufficient.

• Two supervisory references required:

  • One within the last year, second within last two years.
  • Must be from the specialty area. Charge nurse references accepted.
  • If references cannot be obtained, a waiver with written documentation is required.

• Employment verification for the last 7 years required, including dates worked and rehire eligibility. No pending or incomplete verifications allowed.

• Resumes must include 7 years of employment history or back to graduation, with no gaps over 30 days. Must include dates, locations, job titles, and current contact info.

Health and Immunization Requirements

• Annual physical exam or statement of health signed by MD, DO, NP, ARNP, or PA within 1 year of start date.
• Fit mask test (N95) within 12 months; preferred off-site but may be done onsite if necessary. Required mask sizes specified.
• Proof of vaccination or immunity for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (booster within 10 years)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella – positive titer or 2 live vaccines at least 28 days apart
  • Varicella – positive titer or 2 live vaccines at least 28 days apart
  • Hepatitis B series completion or positive titer or declination form
• Negative TB test (QuantiFERON gold or TSpot) within 90 days of start or acceptable chest x-ray if previously positive. Annual TB questionnaire required for positive TB history.
• 10-panel drug screen including THC within 30 days of start.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required annually by October 31.
• COVID-19 vaccination preferred but not required as of July 2025.

Mandatory Training and Documentation

• Completion of facility-specific online learning modules prior to start.
• HIPAA Orientation Safety Manual acknowledgment, renewed annually.
• Iowa Mandatory Reporter Certification for Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse training with exams; certifications valid for 3 years.
• Mercy Medical Center – Online Modules (may be completed onsite temporarily as of July 2024).
• Mandatory Reporter account creation and course completion through Iowa HHS website required.

Additional Requirements

• Candidate must provide a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID).
• All required documents and verifications must be current and completed within specified timeframes (mostly within 30 days of assignment start).
• Unit-specific skills checklist required, including for any units the nurse may float to.
• Candidate must sign facility-specific memorandums and exemption request forms as applicable (e.g., COVID, flu).
• References, background checks, and verifications must be fully completed and approved before start date.

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for a Registered Nurse on a Medical Surgical unit working night shifts (4x12 hours). The position requires current Iowa RN licensure, BLS certification from the American Heart Association, at least one year of recent Medical Surgical experience, an Associate Degree in Nursing, comprehensive background checks, immunizations, and mandatory training compliance. Candidates must provide detailed employment and education history with verifiable references. The role demands adherence to strict health and safety protocols including immunizations, drug screening, and annual competency exams.