Med Surg RN Job in Des Moines, IA

UnityPoint – Iowa Methodist Medical Center is seeking a registered nurse for its Medical Surgical unit in Des Moines, IA. This is a temporary position running 91 days, starting November 23, 2026.

Schedule and Pay

• 4x12 night shifts with variable weekend rotation (typically every other or every third weekend, including holiday rotation)
• No on-call responsibilities
• Billable overtime available between 36–40 hours per week
• Weekly pay: $2,759

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care in a 25-bed unit with patient ratios of 1:5–6
• Care for patients including post-TNK, orthopedic, cranio-neurosurgery, laminectomy, and polytrauma cases
• Administer drips and titrations including Heparin gtts, PCAs, and 3% sodium chloride
• Operate lift equipment, telemetry monitors, chest tubes, and Airvo devices
• May float to other Med Surg units and campuses as needed
• Required to work 1–2 of 3 upcoming Winter holidays unless the unit is closed

Required Qualifications

• Current active Iowa nursing license or compact/multistate license
• 24 months of recent hospital or medical center experience in Stepdown, Progressive Care, or Medical Surgical nursing
• Neuro/neurology care experience required
• Ortho/orthopedic care experience required
• Trauma care experience highly preferred
• Proficiency with EPIC EMR
• Experience using and reading lift equipment, chest tubes, and Airvo
• Experience administering Heparin and PCAs
• Experience administering 3% sodium preferred
• BLS (AHA) and NIHSS certifications required
• ACLS certification nice to have
• Valid driver's license required
• Must have completed at least 1 travel contract within the previous 12 months
• Professional reference from charge nurse, supervisor, nurse manager, director, CNO, or COO within 24 months preferred
• Skills checklist specific to Medical Surgical or Medical Surgical/Telemetry required

Residency Requirement

• All candidates must reside at least 50 miles from the facility