Med Surg/Telemetry RN - Orthopedic Spine
Columbia, South Carolina
Palmetto Health Richland

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - MS/Tele (Orthopedic)

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Day (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each, 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM)
Hours per Week: 36

Unit & Patient Population Details

• Adult 26-bed orthopedic spine unit specializing in spinal surgeries such as laminectomies, spinal fusions, and discectomies.
• Integrated pain management, physical therapy, and mobility support provided.
• Patient diagnoses include Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, cardiac issues, low-risk Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), diabetes, hypertension, COPD, dehydration, chest pain, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
• Special procedures include bedside lumbar puncture, post-cardiac catheterization care (radial/femoral), post-surgical care, post-renal biopsy, CT Angiography, and Heparin drips.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:5-6.
• Floating to other units or campuses may be required but limited to areas where staff are qualified and have documented competencies.

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Minimum 1 year of Telemetry nursing experience within the last year.
• Orthopedics nursing experience.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.

Licensure

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in South Carolina.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) issued by American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC).
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.

Scheduling & Work Requirements

• Weekend shifts required every other weekend (6 weekend shifts during the contract).
• Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks.
• All requests for time off, block, or special scheduling must be submitted with application and are subject to facility approval.
• First-time travel nurses are accepted.
• Local candidates accepted within a specified radius.
• Floating policy requires signing and is renewed annually.

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

Background & Screening

• 7-year background check within 12 months of start date.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and every 30 days thereafter.
• Drug screening (5-panel) within 1 year of start, updated annually.
• Fingerprinting required if applicable (e.g., if living in certain states).
• Education verification required; diplomas not accepted as placeholders.
• OFAC sanctions list search required for new candidates.

Health & Immunizations

• Physical exam within 1 year attesting ability to meet job demands.
• Respirator fit test completed onsite during orientation.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or proof of immunity for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (if working in high-risk areas)
  • TB screening (True 2-step PPD, QF Gold, or T-spot within 90 days)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination series, positive titer, or signed declination
  • Varicella (chickenpox) immunity
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or approved exemption (not required for remote workers)

Testing & Training

• Pre-assignment testing (medication and arrhythmia/EKG) required within 72 hours of assignment notification; two attempts allowed.
• Online orientation modules must be completed within 72 hours of assignment.
• Annual competency exams and core training (Parts I, II, III) required.
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam required annually.
• Pass/fail testing for EKG and medication knowledge required for this unit.
• Badge photo required prior to start (passport-style with specific background and lighting).

Additional Notes

• This is a Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.
• The hospital is a regional community teaching medical center with 641 licensed beds.
• The facility prioritizes staff staying in their home unit but requires flexibility for floating.
• Candidates must carry a valid driver's license for computer access and on-duty identification.
• All required documents and certifications must be current and verifiable prior to start.
• Candidates with gaps over 30 days between contracts may require updated physicals and background checks.

This position is ideal for Registered Nurses with orthopedic experience seeking a travel contract in a specialized spine surgery unit with a supportive multidisciplinary team.