RN Med Surg/Telemetry – Orthopedic Spine
Columbia, South Carolina
Palmetto Health Richland

Registered Nurse (MS/Tele - Orthopedics) Travel/Contract Position

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work on a 26-bed adult orthopedic spine unit specializing in spinal surgeries such as laminectomies, spinal fusions, and discectomies.
• Patient population includes Med/Surg, Telemetry, cardiac, low-risk ACS, TIAs, diabetes, hypertension, COPD, dehydration, chest pain, DVT, and PE.
• Special procedures include bedside lumbar puncture, post cardiac catheterization (radial/femoral), post-surgical care, post renal biopsy, CT Angio, and Heparin drips.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:5-6.
• Floating to other units or campuses may be required but limited to areas where the nurse is qualified and has documented competencies.

Schedule

• Shift: Day shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM).
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend, totaling 6 weekend shifts during the contract.
• Facility allows calling off 1 shift per 2 weeks.
• All scheduling requests (RTO, block, special) must be submitted with application and are subject to facility approval.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina.
• Minimum 1 year of Med Surg / Telemetry nursing experience within the last year.
• Orthopedic nursing experience.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross, valid and not expiring within 30 days of start.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross, valid and not expiring within 30 days of start.
• Acknowledgement of Pass/Fail Testing requirement.
• Successful completion of Pass/Fail Testing for EKG and Medication competency prior to orientation.

Additional Requirements & Compliance

• Must carry a valid Driver’s License for computer access and while on duty.
• Background checks including 7-year history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and others as required must be current and compliant.
• Physical exam within 1 year attesting ability to meet physical demands of the position.
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 90 days of start.
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine if working/floating to high-risk areas.
  • Flu vaccine or approved exemption required annually (not required for remote workers).
  • Hepatitis B vaccination series documentation or declination.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination documentation.
• Drug screening within 1 year of start, updated annually.
• Respirator fit test completed onsite during orientation (N95 masks commonly used).
• Completion of online orientation modules within 72 hours of assignment.
• Pass/Fail testing for medication and arrhythmia competency required prior to orientation (not required for pre-book candidates).
• Floating policy acknowledgment required.

Orientation & Training

• 16 hours of non-billable orientation onsite separate from online modules.
• Online orientation modules must be completed pre-start; failure to complete will prevent clearance to start.
• Pass/Fail testing includes medication and arrhythmia exams with a passing score of 84%, two attempts allowed.

Notes

• First-time travel nurses are accepted.
• Local candidates accepted within radius rules.
• Floating is expected but limited to qualified units.
• Badge photo required prior to start with specific background and quality requirements.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a Level I Adult Trauma Center with a focus on orthopedic spine care and integrated multidisciplinary support.