Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette General Medical Center

Registered Nurse - Medical Surgical (Travel/Contract)

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 18:45 - 7:15)
Hours per Week: 36

Job Description

• Position is a Medical Surgical role specializing in post-operative GI and wound care.
• Acute care and full-time post-op unit experience required.
• Patient diagnoses include pancreatitis, GI bleeds, bowel obstructions/perforations, wound and post-op infections, mass removal, esophageal perforation, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle collisions, diverticulitis.
• Special procedures involved: pancreatectomy, esophagectomy, Whipple procedure, spleenectomy, adrenalectomy, cystectomy, colectomy, thyroidectomy, mastectomy, hepatic resection, Nissen fundoplication, bariatric surgery, TURP, gastrectomy, parathyroidectomy, exploratory laparotomy.
• Equipment familiarity preferred: PEG, PEJ tubes, PCA pumps, peritoneal drains, JP drains, hemovac, wound vac, nephrostomy tubes, ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, surgical drains.
• Nurses may be assigned to an Emergency Team during events, requiring them to stay onsite or be part of relief efforts as directed by unit management.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Louisiana
• Minimum 2 years of Medical Surgical nursing experience
• Medical Surgical experience within the last year
• Completion of at least one prior travel assignment
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)

Certifications

• BLS (AHA only; RQI accepted) - must be current or renewed before start.
• ACLS (AHA only; RQI accepted) - required for this specialty; must be current or renewed before start.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required unless working in ICU; must be updated annually.
• Other certifications (PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM) not required for this position unless specified by unit.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, updated annually.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated monthly.
• Sex offender search required within 30 days of start and updated monthly.
• Education verification of highest degree required.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start; must be initiated within 24-48 hours of offer acceptance. Instant drug screens not accepted.
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health required.
• Fit mask testing (N95) within 1 year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Immunizations/vaccinations or proof of immunity required for:

  • TB (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot within 12 months; chest x-ray and questionnaire if positive)
  • Rubeola (measles), Mumps, Rubella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series)
  • Hepatitis B (positive antibody titer, completed vaccine series, booster, or signed declination)
  • Varicella (positive IGG titer, completed vaccine series, or booster)
  • Tdap (required only for certain units; confirm if applicable)
• Seasonal flu vaccination, medical or religious exemption, or declination required during flu season (Oct 1 - Mar 31).

Additional Requirements

• Resume/application required with 7 years of employment history and explanations for gaps.
• Skills checklist specific to specialty required and must be updated annually.
• Color passport-style photo (no filters or obstructions) required within 24 hours of booking for badge issuance.
• Candidates must be comfortable with emergency team assignments and onsite emergency response as directed by unit management.

Summary

This is a night shift travel Registered Nurse position in a medical surgical post-op unit requiring acute care experience, post-op GI and wound care expertise, and prior travel contract completion. The role demands flexibility for emergency team participation and compliance with extensive background, health, and certification requirements.