RN, New Graduate Pathway into ICU/Critical Care (Fall/Winter 2026 RN Graduates)

Location: La Crosse, WI

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

36

Are you an upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduate with a passion for Critical Care? If the ICU is your long-term goal let Emplify Health by Gundersen help prepare you for a successful career in this specialty!

You are invited and encouraged to apply prior to your graduation.

If you are a Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduate with a desire and passion to become an ICU nurse, we encourage you to apply to this innovative orientation program to accelerate your progression to our high-acuity department. These positions will have orientation in specific MedSurg departments that will assist in preparation for your career in the ICU/Critical Care. Throughout this program you will get an opportunity to work the med/surg floors, seeing a variety of patient populations and building your foundational nursing skills while having 3 immersion shifts in the ICU every 6 weeks. These immersion shifts will help foster and build rapport with the ICU team and become familiar with ICU 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.

Our Level II Trauma ICU/Critical Care unit is a fast-paced, 20-bed unit that provides patient- and family-centered care for a variety of high-acuity patients including post-cardiothoracic surgery, neurovascular interventions, ventilated patients, traumas, continuous renal replacement therapy, post-cardiac arrest care, and more. The ICU/Critical Care unit's multidisciplinary team consists of highly skilled RNs, Critical Care Technicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, Intensivists, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Health Unit Coordinators, and other support staff.

Position Details

Fulltime, 72 hours biweekly (0.9 FTE)

12-hour Day/Night rotation, every third weekend/holiday

There may be varied schedules depending on the orientation unit

Prior Hospital or EMS experience preferred

Enjoy an attractive hourly rate of $38.96 per hour as well as generous shift/weekend/holiday differentials

What You'll Need

A minimum of an Associate's degree in Nursing upon hire

RN licensure to practice in the state of Wisconsin upon hire

Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment

What You'll Get

Unlimited potential at one of the leading health systems in the midwestern United States

A 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 appreciated

Departmental leadership that supports you as you do your best work including a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Clinical Manager, Clinical Supervisor, Critical Care RN Communicators, Professional Development Nurse, and Quality Improvement Specialist Nurse

Have your voice heard through our Nursing Shared Governance Councils

Competitive Compensation: Enjoy an attractive hourly rate, based on your years of experience, as well as generous shift differentials, ensuring your skills and dedication are valued and rewarded

A comprehensive and generous benefits package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA) ensuring your comfort and well-being as a valuable team member

Substantial retirement contribution including 401k match & annual discretionary base contribution

Support for your career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, our Tuition Investment Program, and Career Development Center

Other 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!

We're healthcare for neighbors, by neighbors. Inside our walls and our neighborhoods, we deliver world-class medical care and the right amount of love. We call it Love + Medicine and it’s more than our practice. It's who we are. Join our mission in changing healthcare by applying today to join our highly skilled and dedicated Critical Care ICU team all while doing the work you love in the beautiful coulee region of La Crosse, Wisconsin!

About Us

Emplify Health by Gundersen is the leading provider of primary and specialized care in western Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, and northeast Iowa, serving more than 500,000 residents throughout 19 counties annually. Our physician-led, not-for-profit healthcare system includes a 325-bed teaching hospital and Level II Trauma Center; community clinics; affiliate hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes; behavioral health services; vision centers; pharmacies; and air and ground ambulance services. Our mission is simple yet profound: Together, we inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning, and innovating. We deliver Love + Medicine every day to change lives in our communities and enrich the lives of our employees.

If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact [email protected] 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