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First Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff

Travel Cath Lab RN

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel Med Surg / Telemetry RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel Med Surg/Telemetry RN

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel Med Surg / Telemetry RN

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel Med/Surg Telemetry RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel RN Med/Surg Telemetry

Centerville, IA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

Focus Staff

Travel Med Surg/Telemetry RN

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsFirst Nurse JobsFirst Nurse Jobs in Iowa

First Nurse information

What is a first nurse?

First Nurses, often referred to as triage nurses or the first point of contact in a healthcare setting, are registered nurses responsible for assessing and prioritizing patients as they arrive in clinics or emergency departments. They perform initial evaluations, record vital signs, gather medical histories, and determine the urgency of care needed. Their quick and accurate assessments help ensure that the most critical patients receive timely treatment. First Nurses play a crucial role in patient safety and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Nurse (commonly known as a Charge Nurse or Head Nurse), you need an active RN license, clinical expertise, and experience in patient care leadership. Familiarity with healthcare management systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and scheduling software is typically required. Outstanding organizational, leadership, and communication skills help manage nursing teams and coordinate patient care. These abilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality patient outcomes, efficient team operations, and maintaining safety standards within healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges first nurses face when transitioning into a new healthcare facility?

First Nurses often encounter challenges when adapting to a new healthcare facility, such as learning unique protocols, integrating with established teams, and navigating new electronic health record systems. Building rapport with colleagues and understanding the specific needs of patient populations served by the facility are also key parts of the transition. However, most organizations provide structured onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing training to help First Nurses acclimate and succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between First Nurse vs Registered Nurse?

AspectFirst NurseRegistered Nurse
CredentialsTypically requires a nursing diploma or certificateRequires an RN license, usually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Work EnvironmentOften in community health, clinics, or as a first point of contactHospitals, clinics, long-term care, and various healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in primary care, community health, and outpatient servicesWidely employed across healthcare facilities and hospitals

First Nurses generally have basic nursing certifications and work mainly in community or outpatient settings. Registered Nurses (RNs) have advanced credentials, including licensure, and work in diverse healthcare environments. The main difference lies in their qualifications and scope of practice, with RNs typically having more responsibilities and a broader range of duties.

How hard is it to get your first nurse job?

Securing a first nurse job can be competitive and often requires completing a nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining licensure. Entry-level positions may have varying requirements, but demonstrating clinical skills, relevant certifications, and a strong application can improve chances of employment.

How to start a career in first nurse with no experience?

To start a career as a first nurse with no experience, obtain a nursing diploma or degree and pass the licensing exam to become a registered nurse. Gaining clinical experience through internships or entry-level nursing assistant roles can also help build skills and improve job prospects.

What is a good job to have before becoming a first nurse?

A good job before becoming a first nurse is often in healthcare or caregiving, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant, or home health aide, as these roles develop patient care skills and familiarity with medical environments. Experience in these positions can provide foundational knowledge and improve readiness for nursing programs and responsibilities.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for First Nurse jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most First Nurse job openings:

First Nurse jobs near you

Travel Cath Lab RN

Focus Staff

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN Cardiac Cath Lab for a travel nursing job in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Cardiac Cath Lab
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/14/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Focus Staff is seeking a Cath Lab Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Fort Dodge, IA. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Cath Lab setting.

Contract Length: 13 Weeks

Start Date: 09/14/2026

Shift: 5x8 Days

Benefits for Travel Cath Lab RNs:

  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Holiday bonus

Requirements:

  • 1 Year of Experience, 2 Preferred
  • Valid IA RN License
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS
  • Eligible to work in the United States

About Focus Staff:

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the life you love, explore the country and do what you do best, help others.

Interested in becoming a traveler with Focus Staff? Discover why travelers choose us, apply today!

All-Star Status:

  • Dallas 100 (Multiple Years in a Row)
  • Inc. 5000
  • Middle Market 50
  • Certified by The Joint Commission
  • Best of Staffing Talent Satisfaction 2022
  • Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction 2022
  • Fastest-Growing US Staffing Firms 2017

If you’re seeking a Travel Cath Lab Nurse position in Fort Dodge, IA and are looking to work with an agency that will listen to your needs and career goals, then Focus Staff is the right place to be. We are proud of our ability to build relationships with all our healthcare professionals, whether you’re seeking travel assignments, PR or permanent positions.

We Offer:

  • Immediate Openings
  • Weekly Pay through Direct Deposits
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Day and Night Shifts Available
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Guaranteed Hours (based on employer)
  • Travel Assistance
  • Dedicated/Responsive Recruiters
  • Day One Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Generous Housing Stipend
  • 24/7 Support
  • Company Provided Housing Options
  • Referral Bonus ($600)
  • Loyalty Bonus ($1,200)
  • Discounts/Coupons to Hotels
  • Access to Jobs in all 50 States
  • Painless Credentialing Process
  • U.S.A.-based Company
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Joint Commission Certified
  • Licensure Reimbursement
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Access to Discounts, Rewards, and more

Other Information:

Job Title: Travel Cath Lab Nurse

Employment Time: Contract/Travel

Date Posted: 08/14/2026 05:35:30 PM

Valid Through: 12/14/2026

Job City: Fort Dodge

Job State: IA

Job Country: USA

Shift: 5x8 Days

Job ID: a0xVt00000SxiZZIAZ

Hiring Organization: Focus Staff

Focus Staff is an EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action) Employer.

Estimated pay package based on bill rate at time job was posted. Bill rates can change frequently and without notice. Exact pay package may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, guaranteed hours, travel distance, demand, experience, etc.

Traveling Registered Nurse, Travel, Cath Lab, RN – Cath Lab, Contract, Travel, Traveling Nursing, Assignment, Registered Cath Lab, Cath Lab Nurse, Cath Lab RN, Cath Lab Nurse, Cath Lab Travel Nurse, Healthcare RN, Cath Lab Nursing, Nurse RN, RN Nurse, Contract RN

Focus Staff Job ID #a0xVt00000SxiZZIAZ. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel Cath Lab RN Registered Nurse

About Focus Staff

Your Journey, Our Focus. Travel Confidently, Care Boldly with Focus Staff.

At Focus Staff, we’re here to make your travel healthcare career rewarding, seamless, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best — caring for others. Our mission is simple: to help healthcare heroes like you thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

With thousands of job opportunities across all 50 states, our dedicated recruiters work closely with you to match you to the right assignment, based on what matters most to you — pay, location, benefits, or career growth.

From day one, you’ll enjoy premium benefits like medical coverage that bridges between assignments, 401K matching, travel and licensing reimbursements, and personalized housing support. Plus, our team is here for you 24/7, with clinical support available whenever you need guidance or backup.

At Focus Staff, we believe in making every assignment a smooth, comfortable, and empowering experience. Let’s make your next adventure your best one yet.


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About Focus Staff

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Focus Staff is a travel healthcare professional staffing agency. We place awesome people in awesome places across every state in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands. If you're an adventurer or a facility that needs high-quality staff, give us a shot. One promise we can unequivocally make: we'll always be totally honest and transparent. Period.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

2008

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