Medical-Surgical RN
Cooperstown, New York
Bassett Medical Center

Job Opportunity: RN Medical/Surgical (Travel)

Location: Cooperstown, New York
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Unit Overview

• Unit: Inpatient Surgery (Med/Surg)
• Unit Size: 46 beds
• Layout: Large unit with nurses' stations at front and back for effective communication and oversight

Patient Demographics & Common Conditions

• Wide age and gender range
• Common patient needs include:

  • General post-operative care
  • Pain management
  • Chest tubes, NG tubes
  • Heparin drips
  • Dressing changes
  • JP drains
  • Traction

Common Diagnoses Treated

• Post-operative care
• Urology
• Neurology
• Bariatric surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Mixed acute medical patients

Procedures and Treatments

• Frequent administration of pain medications
• IV medications and drips
• Wound vac management
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
• Dressing changes
• Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI)

Staffing and Support

• Nurse-to-patient ratio: Maximum 6:1
• Charge nurse oversees unit and may assist on floor
• Nursing assistants available, may float or support confused patients

Technology and Equipment

• MASIMO non-invasive monitoring
• Bedside monitoring systems
• EKG machines
• Bladder scanners
• EPIC software for patient care documentation and management

Documentation Requirements

• Vital signs every 4 hours
• Intake and output every 8 hours
• Pain assessments
• Shift assessments
• Full admission assessment for new patients including acceptance note with 2 RN skin and belongings check

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support)

Additional Information

• Fast-paced environment with quick bed turnover
• Requires adaptability and efficient time management
• Familiarity with unit technology and procedures beneficial

Required Credentials and Compliance

• BLS certification
• Active nursing license verified through Nursys
• License/certificate verification
• Completion of facility-specific core competencies, unit exam, and skills checklist
• Immunizations and health screenings including MMR, Hepatitis B, Influenza vaccine, TB test, Varicella, Fit test, Annual TB questionnaire, Physical/Health statement
• Professional requirements including criminal background check, employment verification, education verification, drug screen, and professional references
• Driver’s license or state ID

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: RN Medical/Surgical
• Required years of experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum standard for Med/Surg travel RN roles (typically 1-2 years)
• Prior travel experience: Not specified as required

This position is ideal for a Med/Surg RN comfortable with a variety of post-operative and acute care patients in a busy surgical inpatient unit.