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

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Medical Surgical)

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Must be charge capable and willing to take charge responsibilities.
• Orthopedic experience required.
• EPIC electronic health record experience required.
• Patient population includes total joint replacements (knees, hips, shoulders), orthopedic spine surgeries (ACDF, TILF), and other orthopedic surgeries such as tendon repairs and revisions.
• Use of special equipment: bladder scanner, Hoyer lift, orthopedic braces.
• Floating to other inpatient units is required (rehab, post-op trauma, ortho neuro trauma, med-surg, oncology, observation, etc.).
• No on-call requirements.
• Not accepting first-time travelers.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience required (no exceptions).
• No block scheduling accommodations.
• No return-to-office restrictions greater than 2 weeks.
• May be assigned to an "Emergency Team" during emergency events, requiring staying at the facility or being part of a relief team as assigned by the unit manager.

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA or RQI accepted. Renewal required if expiring within 30 days of start.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or RQI accepted. Renewal required if expiring within 30 days of start.

Licensure and Background Requirements

• Active Louisiana state nursing license or Compact License required upon submission. Renewal must be completed prior to start if expiring within 30 days.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, sex offender search, and education verification as applicable.
• NURSYS license verification required within 30 days of start.

Health and Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good physical health.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months; annual updates required.
• Required immunizations or proof of immunity: Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Tdap vaccination required for certain units (ED, Peds, Mother/Baby, NICU).
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 30).
• Fit mask testing (N95) within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.

Additional Requirements

• Current/valid driver's license or government photo ID (color copy).
• Skills checklist and competency exam specific to specialty, updated annually.
• Employment application/resume with 7 years of employment history and explanation for gaps.
• Photo for badge: full color, passport-style, taken within last 6 months.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required unless working in ICU.

Prior Travel Experience

• Not accepting first-time travelers; prior travel experience is required.

This position is ideal for experienced Registered Nurses with orthopedic and EPIC experience who are comfortable with charge nurse responsibilities and flexible floating assignments. Candidates must be prepared to respond to emergency events as part of the facility's emergency team.