Travel Nurse RN - Medical-Surgical in Lafayette, LA

Key Responsibilities Provide direct patient care on a major trauma unit managing diagnoses including multi-trauma, TBI, stroke, seizure, sepsis, GSW, falls, ortho-related trauma, and neurological conditions such as epidural hematomas, cerebral edema, and encephalopathy. Manage and monitor specialized equipment including traction, external fixators, PCA pumps, wound vacs, chest tubes, central lines, trach, PEG, NG tubes, JP drains, and hemo vacs.

Job Title

Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical / Neuro Trauma

Location

Lafayette, LA | Acute Care

Schedule / Job Type

Contract | Days | 3x12-Hour Shifts (6:45 AM – 7:15 PM)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care on a major trauma unit managing diagnoses including multi-trauma, TBI, stroke, seizure, sepsis, GSW, falls, ortho-related trauma, and neurological conditions such as epidural hematomas, cerebral edema, and encephalopathy
• Assist with pre- and post-operative care for neuro surgery patients, including craniotomies, spinal fusions, ORIF, muscle flaps, skin grafts, and spinal stimulator procedures
• Manage and monitor specialized equipment including traction, external fixators, PCA pumps, wound vacs, chest tubes, central lines, trach, PEG, NG tubes, JP drains, and hemo vacs
• Administer blood products and manage PICC lines, IVs, and surgical drains in accordance with facility protocols
• Maintain strict isolation precautions and adhere to all infection control standards
• Float to other inpatient units as needed based on departmental staffing requirements

Required Qualifications

• Active Compact or Louisiana RN license — must be in hand at time of submittal
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Medical Surgical or Neuro Trauma specialty
• Neuro surgery experience required
• BLS certification (AHA) required
• Demonstrated skills in blood product administration, PICC line management, IV insertion, chest tube management, surgical drain care, and isolation precautions
• Willingness to work 2 of 4 designated holiday periods annually (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's)
• Must reside more than 65 miles from the facility (as reflected on driver's license) to be eligible — local travelers are not accepted
• NURSYS report must be submitted with profile and current within 4 weeks of submission date
• Candidates who previously worked as permanent staff or in-house agency contractors at this health system must have been separated for a minimum of 1 full year before returning as a travel nurse

Preferred Experience / Skills

• ACLS certification (AHA preferred)
• NIH Stroke Scale certification
• Experience with ortho trauma and TBI patient populations
• Familiarity with external fixators, spinal stimulators, and advanced wound care techniques

Why Join Us

• Gain exposure to a high-acuity, fast-paced major trauma environment with a diverse and complex patient population
• Orientation is conducted five days a week with billable modules factored into orientation hours, supporting a structured onboarding experience