Medical-Surgical RN – Neuro Trauma
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

Unit & Patient Population

• Major Trauma unit with patient diagnoses including multi-trauma, seizure, gunshot wounds, falls, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, sepsis, psychiatric conditions, epidural hematomas/hemorrhage, cerebral edema, orthopedic trauma (non-elective), encephalopathy
• Neuro Surgery experience is required
• Special procedures: craniotomy, spinal fusions, ORIF, muscle flaps, skin grafts, above/below knee amputations (AKA, BKA), IM nails, external fixators, spinal stimulators

Equipment & Skills

• Experience with traction, external fixators, trapeze, PCA pumps, JP drains, wound vacs, chest tubes, orthopedic braces, hemo vacs, central lines, tracheostomy care, PEG and NG tubes
• Required skills: blood product administration, PICC line management, IV starts, pre/post neuro surgery care, TBI management, orthopedic trauma care, surgical drains, chest tubes, isolation precautions

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Every other holiday required
• Float requirement: may be assigned to other inpatient units as needed
• No guaranteed specific scheduling requests (e.g., block scheduling)

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana

• Minimum of 1 year of Medical-Surgical nursing experience, with recent Med Surg experience within the last year

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

• Neuro Surgery experience required

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license for Louisiana or Compact License, verified within 30 days of start
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – AHA only (renewal required if expiring within 30 days of start)
• Blood product administration certification
• PICC line management certification
• Preferred: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and NIH Stroke Scale certification

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Current/valid driver’s license or government photo ID (color copy required)
• 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, updated monthly
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start (instant screenings not accepted)
• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start confirming good health
• Fit mask testing (N95) within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (for specific units)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series)
  • Hepatitis B (positive antibody titer, completed vaccine series, or booster)
  • Varicella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series)
• Negative TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months of start, updated annually; if positive, additional documentation required
• Seasonal flu vaccination, declination, or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 – Mar 31)

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to participate in emergency response teams as assigned by unit manager during emergency events, including staying onsite until event passes or serving on relief teams
• Must complete skills checklist annually
• Must provide a full-color, passport-style photo for badge within 24 hours of booking
• Must be comfortable with floating to other inpatient units and working variable schedules

Experience

• Neuro Surgery experience required (minimum years not explicitly stated, but must meet or exceed specialty requirements)
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with trauma and neuro surgery experience who is flexible with scheduling and able to work night shifts in a high-acuity trauma setting.