Med Surg/Telemetry RN
Quincy, Illinois
Blessing Hospital

Job Opportunity: Med Surg/Telemetry RN

Location: Quincy, Illinois
Contract Length: 8 weeks

Position Overview

Seeking a Med Surg Float RN for an 8-week contract in a busy inpatient surgical unit. The unit primarily cares for patients on the 3rd floor with a 48-bed capacity across two buildings.

Unit Details

• Unit: Med Surg/Telemetry - Inpatient Surgical
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios:

  • Day: 1:4-6
  • Night: 1:5-6 with LPN support
• Primary care nursing model frequently used
• Tele monitor tech available; RNs interpret strips (Draeger monitors)
• Nurse aides available but may be pulled for sitter duties, especially at night
• Respiratory Therapy manages CPAP, occasional Bipap, and Airvo devices

Required Certifications

• BLS (AHA)
• NIHSS

Patient Population / Common Diagnoses

• Neuro surgeries: laminectomy, cervical fusion
• Orthopedic surgeries: total joint replacements (hips/knees)
• General surgeries: ostomies, hernia repair, belly surgery
• Vascular: fem-pop bypass, dialysis catheter insertions, BKA, AKA
• Other: PICC lines, TPN, lipids, dialysis (on unit), PCA, epidurals, IV antibiotics, chronic pain management (narcotics), sepsis, urgent OR cases

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum 1 year surgical experience required
• Must have total joint replacement experience
• Knowledge of PCA pumps and narcotic usage
• Experience with TPN and lipids
• Sepsis management skills
• Ability to titrate heparin drips per protocol
• RNs must be able to interpret telemetry strips

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Shifts: 3x 12-hour shifts starting at 7 AM
• Scheduling: No guaranteed block scheduling; schedules released 6 weeks in advance
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
• Holiday Requirement: Participate in holiday rotation with core staff
• No call or standby requirements
• Floating: Float only to like units; if floated to higher acuity, work as support without patient load
• Dress Code: Black scrubs required

Orientation

• Unit-specific orientation includes 1-2 shifts (12-14 hours on first day) with computer-based modules and general orientation

Additional Notes

• Fast-paced environment with heavy patient load
• Can expect 8-12 surgery admits per day plus discharges during shifts
• Night shift may have more CNA needs
• Primary care nursing model requires flexibility and teamwork