RN Inpatient Acute Care General Surgery Unit

UW Health • Madison, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

UW Health is seeking a Registered Nurse for the 28-bed Acute Care General Surgery unit at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. The unit cares for high-acuity general-care patients and provides post-operative care following complex abdominal surgeries involving the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

Nurses provide post-operative surgical care and develop expertise in managing surgical drains, nasogastric tube placement, enteral nutrition, complex wound care and wound vacs, epidural and PCA pain pumps, and stoma care. They collaborate with general surgery, minimally invasive surgery, emergency surgery, surgical oncology, and specialty-certified Wound and Ostomy RNs.

The role offers opportunities to participate in evidence-based therapies and research, quality improvement initiatives, and practice changes. The unit supports professional development through continuing education, professional certification support, and mentorship. The work schedule is 60% or 90% FTE, with evening or night shifts available, every other weekend, and some holidays; hours depend on departmental operational needs.

Requirements

• Six months of nursing experience in inpatient units or central float (adult and pediatric), Venous Access Team (VAT), Radiology, Hemodialysis, or Cardiovascular Laboratory; or current participation in UW Health’s Nurse Residency Program with successful completion of the Nurse Residency Orientation on a unit or similar unit.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license in Wisconsin or a license issued by a jurisdiction that has adopted the nurse licensure compact.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Relevant RN experience.
• Relevant certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, team-based care to high-acuity general-care patients on the 28-bed Acute Care General Surgery unit.
• Provide post-operative care for patients undergoing complex abdominal surgeries.
• Manage surgical drains, place nasogastric tubes, administer enteral nutrition, provide complex wound care using wound vacs, manage epidural and PCA pain pumps, and provide stoma care.
• Collaborate with general surgery, minimally invasive surgery, emergency surgery, surgical oncology, and specialty-certified Wound and Ostomy RNs.
• Participate in evidence-based therapies and research studies to improve patient outcomes.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and lead practice change.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement plans.
• Schedule and shift options that offer flexibility and work-life balance.
• Access to UW Health’s Wellness Options at Work supporting employee and family well-being.
• Tuition benefits to help pay for coursework associated with career advancement.
• Acuity-based staffing ratios.
• Shared governance structure.
• Nursing excellence award programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed