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

Gundersen Health System • La Crosse, WI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This program is designed for upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduates who aspire to a long-term career in the Operating Room. The program offers innovative orientation to accelerate progression into the surgery department. Participants will gain experience in specific departments, including the Orthopedic Unit, to build foundational nursing skills. Scheduled immersion shifts in the operating room each month will help foster team rapport and familiarity with department policies, procedures, and patient populations. Professional development nurses will provide support for career growth in the chosen specialty. The Surgery Department features 19 operating rooms and 2 labor and delivery suites, handling a wide range of surgical procedures, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgeries. It is a Level 2 Trauma Center with 24-hour in-house staff and a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements

• Upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduate.
• Associate degree in Nursing.
• RN licensure to practice in the state of Wisconsin.
• Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior perioperative experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in orientation in specific departments to prepare for a career in the operating room.
• Work in the Orthopedic Unit to see a variety of patient populations and build foundational nursing skills.
• Complete scheduled immersion shifts in the operating room each month.
• Foster and build rapport with the surgery team.
• Become familiar with surgery department policies, procedures, and patient populations.
• Engage in night and weekend call rotation with a response time of 60 minutes or less.
• Participate in holiday rotation.
• Work 12-hour shifts, rotating days and nights, every third weekend and holiday during initial orientation.
• Potentially work 9-hour shifts (primarily day shifts with some PM and night shifts) or 12-hour shifts (primarily day shifts with occasional night or weekend shifts) after unit orientation.
• Work occasional weekend shifts as needed for unit coverage (PTO, FML, or vacations).

Benefits

• Competitive Starting Pay: $38.96/hr
• Unlimited potential at one of the leading health systems in the midwestern United States.
• Highly adaptable and mission-driven organization with a work environment that supports you personally and professionally.
• Work culture where you are valued and appreciated.
• Departmental leadership support.
• Nursing Shared Governance Councils.
• Comprehensive and generous benefits package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA).
• Substantial retirement contribution including 401k match & annual discretionary base contribution.
• Support for career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, Tuition Investment Program, and Career Development Center.
• Wellness program with incentives.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D.
• Optional short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Identity theft protection.
• Pet insurance.
• Inspire & Celebrate colleague recognition and rewards program.
• Discount program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree