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Registered Nurse, Hospital Float Pool - Days

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $34.45–$51.68 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.

About your past

In the float pool you might be on a different unit each day in Rockford. Which units are you comfortable on, and which would you need more support on?

What they are checking: Whether they know their competencies honestly instead of claiming they can do any unit.

How do you build working relationships with staff on units where you are a stranger?

What they are checking: Whether they can earn quick trust so others help them and they help others.

Tell me about a time a patient's condition changed while you were caring for them. What did you see and what did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize deterioration and call a rapid response or provider without delay.

Why does float pool appeal to you over a home unit?

What they are checking: Whether they like variety and change, which predicts whether they will stay and do well in float.

What would you do

You float to a unit you have never worked and get report on five patients. How do you get oriented fast?

What they are checking: Whether they quickly find resources, key policies and the charge nurse before they get overwhelmed.

You get assigned a patient with a drip or device you are not trained on. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up about competency limits rather than taking an unsafe assignment quietly.

How do you handle being moved mid-shift to a different unit?

What they are checking: Whether they can hand off cleanly and reset without frustration showing up in patient care.

About the work

Walk me through how you prioritize a med-surg assignment at the start of a day shift.

What they are checking: Whether they sort by stability, time-critical meds and procedures instead of going room by room.

How do you prevent medication errors when unit routines and med times differ from what you are used to?

What they are checking: Whether they rely on verification and scanning, not habit, which is critical when floating.

What does a good handoff look like to you, and how do you give one?

What they are checking: Whether they give structured reports that the next nurse can act on safely.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW This role provides safe, patient-centered nursing care by assessing patients, giving medications and treatments, creating care plans, and documenting care. Nurses also work with other healthcare professionals, educate patients and families, and use critical thinking to promote patient safety and improve the quality of care. SCHEDULE: 36-hours per week SHIFT: Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Utilizes the nursing process and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in caring for patients. • Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques, policies and procedures, standards of care, and State laws practice act. • Documents according to standards of care. • Performs assessments, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care. • Develops, initiates, and executes a patient plan of care according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician and or clinic policy including patient and family instruction. • Participates in department or unit performance improvement activities, may include shared governance. • Utilizes clinical expertise and guidance to other units’ departments in support of the patient’s longitudinal plan of care. • Utilizes critical thinking regarding patient safety and patient experience and appropriately escalates to the appropriate chain of command. • Participates in the professional nursing continuum process, unit practice activities and decisions and peer review process. CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals. Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions. Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals. Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue. EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE • Graduate of an accredited nursing program. • ADN required upon hire, BSN preferred. • May require specific years of applicable experience to qualify (per department guidelines) • CERTIFICATION or LICENSURE • Licensed as an RN in state of practice • Approved CPR/BLS certification required within 90 days • Other certification(s) per unit requirements. For example : ACLS, PALS, PEARS, and NRP ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS • Passing the Driver’s License Check and or Credit Check (for those positions requiring). • Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and or IL Health Care Workers Background Check. • Must be able to follow written or oral instructions. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES May include color blind test (per department guidelines) WORK ENVIRONMENT The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure. AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED Neonate (birth – 28 days): Yes Adolescents (13 years – 17 years): Yes Non- Specific Task (NA): No Infant (29 days – less than 1 year): Yes Adult (18 years – 64 years): Yes Pediatric (1 year – 12 years): Yes Geriatric (65 years and older): Yes INFORMATION ACCESS Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties. WORK CONTACT GROUP Partners, physicians, patients’ family, visitors, vendors SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. RN Hospital, RN Home Health and Hospice, RN Oncology: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. RN Clinic and Ambulatory RN’s: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. PAY RANGE: $34.45 - $51.68 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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