Medical-Surgical Neurosurgery RN
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette General Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Medical Surgical)

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

Job Description

• Assignment may include being part of an "Emergency Team" with expectations to stay onsite during emergency events or serve as relief staff.
• Unit: Major Trauma Unit with patient diagnoses including multi-trauma, seizure, gunshot wounds, falls, TBI, stroke, sepsis, psychiatric cases, epidural hematomas/hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and orthopedic trauma (non-elective).
• Neuro Surgery experience is required.
• Special procedures include craniotomy, spinal fusions, ORIF, muscle flaps, skin grafts, amputations (AKA, BKA), IM nails, external fixators, spinal stimulators.
• Float requirement: May be assigned to other inpatient units as needed.
• Scheduling is flexible and cannot guarantee specific requests such as block scheduling.
• Special equipment used: traction, external fixators, trapeze, PCA pumps, JP drains, wound vacs, chest tubes, ortho braces, hemo vacs, central lines, tracheostomy care, PEG, NG tubes.

Required Certifications and Skills

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted
• Blood product administration
• PICC line management
• IV starts
• Pre/Post Neuro surgery care
• Management of TBIs and ortho trauma
• Surgical drains and chest tubes
• Isolation precautions

Preferred Certifications:

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Scale

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse with Neuro Surgery experience required (implied higher experience level due to specialty requirements).
• Years of experience: Not explicitly stated, but neuro surgery experience is mandatory, indicating advanced clinical experience.

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to participate in emergency response teams as assigned.
• Float to other inpatient units as needed.
• Must have a current/valid Driver’s License or government photo ID.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, sex offender search, and education verification as applicable.
• License: Active Louisiana RN license or Compact License required upon submission.
• NURSYS verification required.
• Competency exam specific to specialty required annually.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required unless working in ICU.
• Physical exam indicating good health required within 12 months of start.
• Fit mask testing (N95) required within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Tdap (for certain units)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (proof of immunity or vaccination)
  • Hepatitis B (proof of immunity or vaccination)
  • Varicella (proof of immunity or vaccination)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start.
• Photo for badge required within 24 hours of booking.
• Employment application and skills checklist required, with 7 years employment history and explanation of gaps.

Work Environment

• Major trauma and neuro surgery unit with high-acuity patients.
• Exposure to complex trauma cases and surgical procedures.
• May be required to work every other holiday.

This position is suited for experienced Registered Nurses with neuro surgery and trauma experience who are flexible and willing to respond to emergency situations and float across units as needed.