Registered Nurse

PCU / Neuro-Ortho Step-Down RN — Night Shift | Des Moines, IA | 13-Week Contract

This progressive care unit specializes in high-acuity neurological and orthopedic patients, including heavy neuro trauma, neurosurgery, and craniectomy cases. Nurses on this unit manage complex drip therapy and require strong telemetry and monitoring skills.

Schedule & Hours

• Nights, 4x12s | 48 hrs/week (36 hrs/week may be accommodated)
• Every other weekend (48s) or every 3rd weekend (36s)
• Holiday rotation required: 1–2 of 3 summer holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day)

Float Requirement

Travel nurses will be expected to float across multiple campuses within the health system.

Scrubs: Navy blue

Clinical Requirements

• Minimum 24 months of Medical-Surgical, IMCU, Step-Down, or Progressive Care experience
• Neurology/neurosurgery care experience (required)
• Ortho/orthopedic care experience (required)
• Trauma care experience (highly preferred)
• Drip experience: Heparin, PCA, 3% Sodium (required; no titration)
• EKG/strip reading and telemetry monitoring (required)
• Experience with chest tubes and high-flow respiratory support equipment (highly preferred)
• De-escalation certification — CPI, MOAB, MAB, or SAMA (preferred)

Certifications & Licensure

• Active Iowa RN license or compact/multistate license (required at submission)
• BLS — AHA or ARC (required)
• ACLS — AHA or ARC (required)
• NIHSS (preferred; may be obtained during onboarding)

Additional Notes

• Must have completed at least one prior travel assignment within the past 12 months
• Candidates must reside at least 50 miles from the facility
• Start date: September 28 (firm)