RN, New Graduate Pathway into Surgery/Operating Room (Fall/Winter 2026 Graduates)

Gundersen Health System; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Life Insurance

HSA/FSA

401k match

Tuition Investment Program

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Gundersen Health System in Wisconsin is seeking a Fall/Winter 2026 RN orientation candidate for the Operating Room to accelerate your perioperative career. This full-time program includes immersion shifts in the Orthopedic Unit and in the operating room, with mentorship from experienced staff and a structured development plan.

You'll join a Level 2 Trauma Center with 19 ORs and 2 L&D suites, in a fast-paced environment offering strong career growth and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• RN licensure to practice in Wisconsin.
• Current Infant/Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers.

Responsibilities

• Participate in OR orientation program to accelerate perioperative career.
• Provide nursing care in operating room settings and collaborate with team.

Skills

Associate degree in Nursing

RN licensure (WI)

BLS/ACLS for Health Care Providers

Perioperative experience a plus

Education

Associate degree in Nursing (ADN)

Job description

Love + medicine is who we are, it's what we do, it's why people want to work here. If you’re looking for a job to love, apply today.Scheduled Weekly Hours:36Are you an upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduate and the Operating Room is your long-term goal - let us prepare you for a successful career in that specialty! You are invited and encouraged to apply prior to your graduation.If you are a Fall/Winter 2026 RN new grad with a desire to become a nurse in the Operating Room, we encourage you to apply to this innovative orientation program to accelerate your progression to our surgery department. These positions will have orientation in specific departments that will assist in preparation for your career in the operating room. Throughout this program you will get an opportunity to work in the Orthopedic Unit, seeing a variety of patient populations and building your foundational nursing skills while having scheduled days of immersion shifts in the operating room typically each month. The immersion shifts will help foster and build rapport with the team while becoming familiar with surgery department policies, procedures, and patient populations. Your professional development nurses will support you along the way and help you grow your professional practice to ensure you have a successful career in your chosen specialty.The Surgery Department is a fast-paced unit consisting of 19 state-of-the-art operating rooms and 2 labor and delivery suites which provide a wide range of surgical procedures, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgeries. We are a Level 2 Trauma Center with an in-house staff available 24 hours per day year-round. We employ a multidisciplinary team comprised of surgeons, anesthesiologists, residents, physician assistants, CRNAs, AAs, nurses, surgical technologists, surgical assistants, health unit coordinators, CNAs, center core technologists and environmental assistants.Position Details:Fulltime, 72 hours biweekly (0.9 FTE)After unit orientation this position can be a 9-hour shift: primarily day shifts (6:15am-3:45pm) with some PM and nights shifts, could be up to 6 off shifts within a 6-week scheduling period. Occasional weekend shifts as needed per unit need (cover PTO, FML, or vacations) or 12-hour shift: primarily day shifts (6:15am-6:45pm) with occasional night or weekend shifts as needed per unit need (cover PTO, FML, or vacations)Night and Weekend call rotation. Call response time is 60 minutes or lessHoliday RotationSchedule on the initial orientation unit will be 0.9 fte, 12 hours shifts, rotating days and nights, every third weekend and holidayEnjoy an attractive hourly rate of $38.96/hr as well as generous shift/weekend/holiday differentialsWhat You'll Get:Competitive Starting Pay: $38.96/hrUnlimited potential at one of the leading health systems in the midwestern United StatesA highly adaptable and mission-driven organization with a work environment that supports you personally and professionally and a work culture where you are valued and appreciatedDepartmental leadership that supports you as you do your best work including a Clinical Manager, Clinical Supervisor, Professional Development Nurse, and Quality Improvement Specialist NurseHave your voice heard through our Nursing Shared Governance CouncilsA comprehensive and generous benefits package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA) ensuring your comfort and well-being as a valuable team memberSubstantial retirement contribution including 401k match & annual discretionary base contributionSupport for your career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, our Tuition Investment Program, and Career Development CenterOther benefits include a Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and AD&D, optional short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, identity theft protection, pet insurance, Inspire & Celebrate colleague recognition and rewards program, a discount program, and more!What You'll Need:Minimum of an Associate degree in NursingRN licensure to practice in the state of WisconsinCurrent Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care ProvidersPrior perioperative experience a plusAbility to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environmentEmplify Health, a partnership of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System, is a leading not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network based in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. With 11 hospitals and over 100 clinics, we serve 67 cities across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities.I f you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact [e-mail] or call 608-775-0267.We inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating. This is our purpose. Together with our values — belonging, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork and humility — our pillars set our foundation and our future.Equal Opportunity Employer