Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Bronson Methodist Hospital

Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Day (3 shifts of 12 hours each, 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM)
Hours per Week: 36 (option for 36 or 48 hours/week)

Unit Overview

• 40-bed medical surgical unit specializing in neurological disorders such as Stroke, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and other inflammatory brain/spinal cord disorders.
• Patient population includes post-operative neuro-surgery, orthopedic surgery, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and bariatric patients.
• Unit includes six step-down/telemetry beds and a four-bed Neuro Monitoring Unit for seizure patients starting at age 5.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio typically 1:4 or 1:5.
• Equipment used: EPIC electronic health records, Pyxis medication dispensing system.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Michigan.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Minimum of 1 year of Medical/Surgical nursing experience within the last year.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification or willingness to complete prior to start.

Certifications & Competencies

• Complete Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam within 1 year prior to assignment start with a passing score of at least 80%.
• Annual completion of competency exams in specialty with passing score of at least 80%.
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement required.

Scheduling & Time Off

• No holiday time off requests allowed; dates may be discussed with manager based on unit needs.
• Locals within 50 miles may be accepted at a different rate (not included here).

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check within 45 days of start, including lifetime search from age 18, covering:

  • SSN Trace
  • National Criminal Search
  • National Sex Offender Registry
  • Statewide searches
  • Education verification
  • Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) search for Home Health (not applicable here)
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required.
• Michigan LARA fingerprinting required within 45 days of start for certain positions (not specifically required for this role unless assigned to specified units).
• Michigan Central Registry Clearance required for pediatric placements and certain specialties (not applicable unless assigned to those areas).

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start.
• Negative TB test (PPD or Q Gold/T-Spot) within 30 days of start; if positive, chest x-ray and updated TB questionnaire required.
• Annual TB questionnaire.
• Proof of immunity or vaccination for:

  • Measles (Rubeola) – 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Mumps – 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Rubella – 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Varicella – 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Hepatitis B – titer, series, or documented declination
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap – proof of at least 1 prior Tdap vaccine
• Seasonal flu vaccination required for candidates starting after November 1, or approved medical/spiritual exemption submitted within 48 hours of contract signing.

Drug Testing

• 10-panel drug screen including Marijuana/THC required within 30 days of start. Instant/rapid drug screens acceptable if 10-panel and includes marijuana.

Documentation & History

• Complete employment application/resume with full 7 years of work history, no gaps, dated MM/YYYY (present acceptable).
• One professional reference from a supervisor or manager required. Charge nurse references acceptable if direct supervision confirmed.

Additional Notes

• Candidates may be asked to float to ICU and ED waiting rooms as needed.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio and unit acuity require strong Med/Surg skills and flexibility.
• Equipment proficiency with EPIC and Pyxis expected.
• Holiday time off requests are generally not approved due to staffing needs.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized neuro-medical surgical unit with a diverse patient population and requires a committed, flexible RN with Med/Surg experience and appropriate certifications.