Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University Health University Hospital

Travel Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical Unit

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work on a medical-surgical unit specializing in post-operative care of colorectal surgery patients.
• Patient care includes those requiring negative-airflow rooms; candidates must be fit-tested for N95 masks or trained to use PAPR devices.
• Staffing ratios typically 1:5-6.
• Floating to different levels of care (Med-Surg, PCU, ICU) may be required; refusal to float may result in contract termination.
• Weekend shifts expected every other week; consecutive weekends may be required based on operational needs.
• Charge nurse responsibilities may be assigned with training and resources provided.
• Teaching facility environment; travel nurses must be willing to precept or have students shadow them.
• Shift: Day, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM).

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Indiana.
• Minimum of 2 years of medical-surgical nursing experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Trauma nursing experience preferred.

Certifications (as applicable)

• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted (if applicable).
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) – AHA only (if applicable).
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) – preferred.
• Chemotherapy certification – as required by unit.
• Other unit-specific certifications may be required; verify per assignment.

Health and Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam completed within 12 months of start.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months (including amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP).
• Tuberculosis screening (PPD, QuantiFERON-TB Gold, or T-SPOT) within 1 year of start; if positive, chest X-ray and documentation required.
• Immunizations or positive titers required for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella (history not accepted; vaccination or titer required)
  • Hepatitis B (series, titer, or signed declination)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (strongly recommended)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required annually during flu season (9/30 – 3/31). Declinations not accepted.
• Color blindness exam (Ishihara or equivalent) with 100% score required.
• Fit test for approved respirators (N95 or PAPR) within 12 months.

Background and Documentation

• Valid Driver’s License or Passport (clear copy).
• Background check within 90 days of start, including 7-year history, SSN trace, county/state/national checks, sex offender registry, and education verification.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start.
• Official transcript or diploma verifying education.
• Employment application covering 7 years with explanations for gaps over 30 days.
• Minimum of 2 professional references from recent employment verified within 2 years; references must be from charge nurses, managers, or supervisors.
• Skills checklist completed within 12 months and annually.
• Completion of facility-specific compliance forms and orientation materials prior to start.

Additional Notes

• First-time travel nurses are accepted.
• Call-in shift policies require making up missed shifts within the pay period or adding shifts to the end of the contract depending on FTE status.
• On-site PAPR use is automatically approved at this facility; no prior approval or documentation upload required.
• On-site fit testing is a last resort and limited to certain campuses; documentation must be promptly returned if done on-site.
• Candidates must be willing to comply with all facility policies, including precepting students and floating as needed.
• Failure to comply with floating or other operational requirements may result in contract termination.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a teaching hospital environment with a focus on post-operative colorectal surgical care and requires flexibility, strong clinical skills, and adherence to strict health and safety protocols.