Travel Nurse RN - Medical-Surgical - $2,074 per week in Utica, NY

Registered Nurse (RN) | Medical-Surgical
Location: Utica, NY
Agency: Highland Staffing, LLC
Pay: $2,074 per week
Shift Information: Nights - 3 days x 12 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 12/14/2026

About the Position

Job Title

Registered Nurse - Medical-Surgical Stroke Stepdown

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) for a travel assignment on our Medical-Surgical Stroke Stepdown Unit at MVHS-Wynn in Utica, New York. This role involves providing high-quality, patient-centered care to adult patients requiring close monitoring and specialized interventions.

The 64-bed unit manages a diverse adult patient population with common diagnoses including stroke, altered mental status, renal conditions, dialysis, COPD, CHF, pneumonia, and other general medical-surgical and pulmonary issues. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrating strong clinical judgment and the ability to manage complex patient cases.

This position requires a compassionate professional who can effectively collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The ability to adapt to varying patient needs and unit demands, including floating to other units as required, is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to adult patients on a Medical-Surgical Stroke Stepdown unit, including those with neurological deficits.
• Conduct thorough patient assessments, interpret diagnostic data, and monitor vital signs and neurological status meticulously.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.
• Manage and operate specialized equipment such as IV pumps, Nasogastric (N/G) tubes, and feeding tubes.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Educate patients and their families on disease processes, treatment plans, and discharge instructions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all patient care activities within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Respond to emergent situations and provide critical care interventions as needed.
• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Float to other units within the facility as required by staffing needs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a Registered Nurse in a Medical-Surgical unit with specific Stroke Stepdown experience.
• Demonstrated prior travel nursing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Not specified.

Skills & Competencies

• Clinical Skills: Advanced neurological assessment, stroke protocol adherence, medication administration, IV insertion and management, wound care, patient monitoring, critical thinking, rapid response, ventilator management (if applicable to unit).
• Equipment Proficiency: IV pumps, Nasogastric (N/G) tubes, feeding tubes, vital sign monitors, oxygen delivery systems.
• EMR System: Proficiency with EPIC.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication (verbal and written), teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, time management, empathy, patient advocacy.
• Other: Ability to adhere to dress code, including wearing Navy Blue scrubs.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: Nights (NOC)
• Shift Duration: 12 hours (6:30 PM - 7:00 AM)
• Days per Week: 3
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: December 14, 2026
• End Date: March 13, 2027
• Call Requirements: Not specified.
• Weekend Rotation: Not specified.
• Note: Block scheduling is not guaranteed. Floating to other units may be required.

Licensing Requirements

• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York State.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.