JobsAdvocate Health

New Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) - Progressive Care Unit

Advocate Health · Grafton, WI

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time in clinical rotations or clinical work when a patient's condition started to change quickly. What did you notice first, and what did you do?

whether the candidate can recognize early signs of deterioration in a monitored, high-acuity population before it becomes an emergency

Describe a time you had to speak up to a more experienced nurse or a physician because something didn't seem right.

willingness to advocate for patient safety despite a steep hierarchy or lack of experience

Tell me about a time you gave or received a handoff report that didn't go smoothly. What happened and what would you do differently?

communication discipline during shift-to-shift transitions, which matter a lot on a 12-hour flex schedule unit

How do you plan to use your orientation period and preceptor relationship to build competence, especially since you'll be locked into a 0.9 FTE for your first year?

self-awareness about the new-grad learning curve and realistic expectations about the commitment

Tell me about a time you had to manage your own stress or emotions during or right after a difficult patient outcome.

emotional resilience needed for a unit with cardiac and surgical patients who can decompensate

Technical

What do you know about caring for a patient after a lobe resection or esophagectomy, and what would make you concerned in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery?

baseline clinical knowledge of thoracic surgery recovery specific to this unit's patient population

Tell me about a cardiac drip or insulin drip you've managed or observed being managed. What do you watch for and what would make you call the provider?

comfort and safety awareness around titratable IV medications common on this unit

What does a stroke patient's neuro check tell you, and what changes would make you concerned enough to call a rapid response or stroke alert?

foundational knowledge of neuro assessment given the unit takes stroke and increased-monitoring patients

What's your understanding of ACLS, and how are you planning to be ready to get certified within six months of hire?

whether the candidate understands the certification requirement and has a concrete plan, not just intent

Situational

Walk me through how you'd prioritize your patients if you had four post-op CTS patients, one of whom just came back from an esophagectomy and another who's on a cardiac drip that needs titrating.

ability to triage acuity and manage competing demands on a progressive care assignment

Say a patient becomes confused and starts trying to pull out lines. Walk me through what you'd do, step by step.

judgment around de-escalation, safety interventions, and when to escalate versus use restraints

If you're assigned a patient who's clearly overflow from a higher-acuity unit and you feel out of your depth, what do you do?

honesty about limitations and knowing when and how to ask for help without freezing

This unit works a rotating schedule with every fourth weekend and holiday rotations. How do you think about that kind of schedule for your life outside work?

realistic buy-in to the shift pattern and holiday commitments rather than a rehearsed answer

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The full job description

As published by Advocate Health.

Department: 35812 AMC Grafton - Med Surg: IU 3rd Floor West Surgical Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 36 Schedule Details/Additional Information: Full-time (0.9 FTE) Flex schedule - 0700-1930 or 1900-1930 depending on unit need and staffing. Would be assigned to a shift in 6-week schedule increments. Every fourth weekend and rotating holiday commitments. New grads must remain in a 0.9 FTE for one year off orientation. Pay Range: $38.20 - $57.30 Registered Nurse (RN) – Progressive Care Unit Grafton, WI, United States Be the Nurse Who Redefines Care. At Advocate Health, being a nurse means more than delivering exceptional clinical care—it means leading with purpose, compassion, and boldness. As part of our One Advocate Nurse community, you’ll join a unified team committed to lifting others up, embracing innovation, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. You’ll be empowered to think boldly, collaborate with humility, and drive change through fearless curiosity. Whether you're at the bedside, in the community, or advancing care through research and education, you’ll help shape the future of health—because here, we’re redefining care for you, for us, for all.   Your feedback matters. Every nurse’s voice is vital in shaping our culture and improving care. We value your insights and experiences because they help us grow stronger together Where You Will Work: Join our collaborative progressive care unit nursing team at Aurora Medical Center Grafton. Our progressive care unit is a 16-bed unit caring for our cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) patient population-lobe resections, esophagectomy, etc. Cardiac overflow patients, stroke, increase monitoring capabilities, cardiac drips, insulin drips, overflow patients needing higher acuity of care. This unit offers an excellent learning environment for both newly licensed and experienced RNs. We’re Looking For: • Completion of an accredited or approved program in nursing • Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the teammate practices • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required within 6 months of hire What You’ll Do: • As a skilled and compassionate RN, you will play a pivotal role in providing and coordinating comprehensive patient care through the nursing process to deliver safe, therapeutic care in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. • Using evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, compassion, and skills communication while leading efforts to create the safest patient environment and the best patient experience across the continuum. About This Location: Aurora Medical Center - Grafton a 132-bed facility is recognized as a leading destination for healthcare, offering private patient rooms, comfortable family areas, and a comprehensive selection of specialized services. Supported by a team of more than 450 Nurses, Grafton provides thoughtful amenities such as tranquil meditation gardens and a welcoming cafeteria, all designed to enhance comfort and peace of mind. With a strong focus on accessibility and advanced technology, the facility is preparing for a significant expansion, with a new patient tower scheduled to open in 2027. In addition to its core departments, Aurora Medical Center - Grafton delivers exceptional care in cardiovascular health, women’s services, orthopedics, emergency medicine, surgery, and neuroscience. The hospital’s commitment to professional development, state-of-the-art equipment, and diverse campus resources reflects its enduring tradition of compassionate, community-oriented care. Join our Grafton team today for a rewarding future in a supportive growing facility. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, twisting, and lifting throughout the workday. Must safely lift up to 35 pounds and perform patient handling tasks, including pushing/pulling up to 30 pounds and assisting with 150-pound sliding transfers. Requires functional speech, vision, hearing, touch, and fine motor skills for clinical procedures, as well as the ability to operate equipment foot controls. Must be able to respond quickly to changing patient conditions and perform patient safety interventions, including verbal de-escalation and restraints when necessary. Exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, and hazardous waste may occur; appropriate protective equipment must be used. Physical Abilities Testing and additional department-specific requirements may apply. This job posting indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties. Ready to Take the Next Step: Apply Now! Our Commitment to You: Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including: Compensation • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job • Incentive pay for select positions • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits and more • Paid Time Off programs • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs • Educational Assistance Program Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About Advocate Health  Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

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