Location: Santa Cruz, California
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights, 12-hour shifts (7p-7a), 36 hours per week
Required Qualifications
Active BLS certification
Active California RN license
3-4 years of MedSurg experience (the source also cites 2+ years in MedSurg and Ortho/Oncology, and 2 years for nights)
Preferred Qualifications
ONS certification
Unit and Staffing
Unit: 2W MedSurg, 55 beds
Ratios: 5 patients to 1 nurse
Charge nurse: Does not take patients
Nurse aides: 1-3 PCTs, depending on census
Telemetry: Must read EKG strips and be comfortable working with telemetry patients
Ventilators: No
Common diagnosis / patient types: MedSurg
Scrub color: Navy
Clinical Support
Hospitalist or intensivist in house
IV and PICC team available during the day
Respiratory therapy 24/7
Pharmacy 24/7
Schedule
Every other weekend
Holidays: Work into the permanent staff holiday rotation
EOW first to float (as written in the source)
Floating and Orientation
Travelers have a "home base" unit, but must float between both MedSurg units
Orientation: 1 shift on each unit (2 orientation shifts total)
Interview Process
Interview with the clinical team, followed by a second interview on the unit
Desired Traits
Strong, humble, fast-paced, and positive attitude
Facility
Dominican Hospital
3.9rating(17 reviews)
3 nurses recommend working with Dominican Hospital
A
Anonymous
Med Surg (RN)
Contract Position
5.0rating
Pros
Traveler friendly for sure. I was on the TCU and they have a strong sense of teamwork. Break nurses every shift who are super helpful.
Cons
What management can’t provide, I would say the floor staff makes up for. Cost of living is higher only for lodging, I’m from Alaska and everything else was about the same. If you have a place to stay it’s a perfect gig!!
The cost of living in Santa Cruz is higher than the national average due to the desirable beach town location.
Wages may not fully match up with the higher cost of living.
Weather
Average summer highs are around 70-80°F, while winter lows can range from 40-50°F.
Furnished Housing
Short term rentals can be found, but they may be more limited and slightly more expensive due to the popular tourist destination.
Transportation
Santa Cruz is car-friendly, but public transportation options are also available, including buses and shuttles.
Demographics
Santa Cruz has a diverse population with a wide age range.
Common health issues may include allergies due to the coastal environment.
It is a popular location for travel nurses due to its healthcare facilities and proximity to natural beauty.
Things to Do
Santa Cruz offers a variety of activities including a range of restaurants, art galleries, live music venues, and outdoor sports such as surfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
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