American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN PCU - Progressive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Des Moines, Iowa.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: PCU - Progressive Care Unit
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 11/23/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 48 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours, nights
- Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
- Shift: Nights, 4x12hrs
- Hours: 48 hrs/wk
- Start Date: Nov 23, 2026
- Length: 13 weeks
- Openings: 1
Description
American Traveler is hiring a Med Surg RN for a Neuro/Ortho/Trauma/Stroke unit, requiring 24 months of Stepdown, Progressive Care or Med Surg experience and prior travel contract experience.
Details
- Hospital-based Neuro/Ortho/Trauma/Stroke progressive care unit (25 beds)
- Patient population includes post-TNK, ortho, crani-neurosurgery, laminectomies, and polytrauma cases
- Patient ratios of 1:5-6
- Night shift schedule, 4x12 hr shifts (3x12s can be accommodated), 48 hrs/week
- No on-call requirements
- Weekend rotation required, usually every other or every third weekend including holiday rotation
- Floating required across all campuses including Iowa Methodist MC, Iowa Lutheran, and Iowa Methodist, as well as other med surg units
- Uses lift equipment, telemetry, chest tubes, and Airvo
- Manages drips/titrations including Heparin gtts, PCAs, and 3% sodium
- Uses Epic EMR
Requirements
- Active IA RN license or compact/multistate license required
- BLS certification (AHA or ARC) required
- NIHSS certification required (can be obtained during onboarding)
- ACLS certification preferred
- Minimum 24 months of Stepdown, Progressive Care, or Med Surg experience in a hospital or medical center setting required
- Neuro/neurology care experience required
- Ortho/orthopedic care experience required
- Trauma care experience highly preferred
- Epic EMR experience required
- Experience using lift equipment, chest tubes, and Airvo required
- Experience administering Heparin and PCAs required
- Experience administering 3% sodium preferred
- Must have completed at least one travel contract within the previous 12 months
- Valid driver's license required for consideration
- Professional reference from a supervisor, charge nurse, manager, director, CNO, or COO within the past 24 months preferred
Additional Information
- Provide direct patient care for complex neuro, ortho, and trauma cases on a progressive care unit
- Candidates must reside at least 50 miles from the facility
- Past employees of UnityPoint Health (FTE or PRN) are not eligible to work travel assignments at other UnityPoint markets
- Holiday coverage required for 1-2 of 3 upcoming winter holidays
- First-time travelers will not be considered for this position
American Traveler Job ID #P-767892. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 48.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - Telemetry - Progressive Care Unit
About American Traveler
With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.
With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.
American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.
With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.