Job info

Registered Nurse – Rehab (Travel/Contract)

Location: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

Work on an Acute Rehab Unit caring for patients discharged from medical centers who require 1+ week of physical, speech, or occupational therapy.
Patient ratio: 1:5 patients on days, 1:5-6 patients on nights.
Patient types include post-surgical, post-stroke, CHF, elective total joints, fractures, back/neck surgery, stroke/TIA, and general med-surg conditions (pneumonia, wounds, COPD).
Non-telemetry unit; patients may occasionally have IVs and require lab draws.
Collaborative, team-based care involving physical therapy and care management teams.

Schedule & Work Expectations

Night shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (1900-0730).
Monday–Sunday schedule cycle with every 3rd weekend required.
Holiday block required during contract; weekend/holiday off requests must be pre-approved.
No smoking or leaving premises during shifts.
Schedule is self-scheduled but created 6 weeks in advance; limited self-scheduling for incoming travelers.
Must complete all mandatory organizational education.

Required Qualifications

Registered Nurse (RN) license for Missouri (State License or Compact License). Pending license acceptable if obtained before start.
Minimum 2 years of RN experience preferred; 1 year experience accepted for travelers with prior travel experience.
BSN required.
BCLS and ACLS certifications required (ACLS preferred).
Must pass a Basic Dysrhythmia (EKG) exam with a minimum score of 80% (2 attempts allowed).
IV insertion and lab draw skills required.
Must pass a telemetry test prior to starting.
Physical exam within last 12 months required.
Drug screen within 30 days of start required.
Immunizations/vaccinations required:
- MMR (2 vaccines, positive titer, or declination)
- Hepatitis B (vaccination series, titer, or declination)
- Varicella (2 vaccines, positive titer, or declination)
- Annual flu vaccine or approved medical/religious exemption (mask required if exempt).
Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year; additional requirements if positive.
Background checks including national criminal, state, county, SSN trace, sex offender, and federal exclusions required within 30 days of start.
Education verification and primary source license verification required within 30 days of start.
Two professional references within 3 years required.
Employment application, skills checklist, and work history verification required.

Training & Support

Willingness to train caregivers to support growth and ensure high-quality patient care.
Onsite fit testing provided.
Annual safety manual acknowledgement and orientation quiz required (minimum 84% score).
Additional facility-specific training may be required upon contract extension.

Role Responsibilities & Considerations

Responsible for own IV insertions and lab draws during shifts.
May be floated to similar units within the hospital as needed.
Must regularly check email for updates.
Consistent attendance is essential.
Unit is expanding with 18 additional beds, increasing staffing needs.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

Self-motivated and proactive.
Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
Open-minded and able to work with diverse patients and caregivers.
Detail-oriented and receptive to feedback.
Collaborative team player.

Opportunities

Contract extensions likely for strong fits if positions remain open.
Conversion to permanent employment possible for the right candidate.

Note: This position does not require prior travel experience explicitly, but 1 year travel experience is accepted for first-time travelers with 2 years RN experience.