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Registered Nurse, Med-Surg - Full-time Days

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

Posted Sep 21, 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

Tell me about a time you had to call a provider at night who didn't want to be bothered.

What they are checking: Whether they still advocate for the patient and use the chain of command if needed.

Tell me about a time you caught a problem during a shift handoff.

What they are checking: Whether they listen carefully at handoff and follow up on unclear or missing information.

What brings you to night shift, and how do you take care of yourself working it?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic habits for nights, which affects safety and how long they stay.

What would you do

How do you manage five or six patients on a night shift without missing meds or assessments?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real plan for organizing care across a full assignment.

How do you help a patient who can't sleep in the hospital without just giving a sleep aid?

What they are checking: Whether they think about safety, especially for older patients at risk of falls and delirium.

A patient wants to leave against medical advice in the middle of the night. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they try to understand the reason, inform the provider and document properly.

How do you work with your CNA on nights when you're both stretched thin?

What they are checking: Whether they share work as a team and communicate priorities clearly.

About the work

It's 3 a.m. and a patient who was fine at midnight is now confused and has a fever. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they think of sepsis early and use the protocol and provider call quickly.

A patient's potassium comes back at 2.8. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know the risks of low potassium and call the provider promptly for replacement orders.

How do you prevent hospital-acquired infections in your patients?

What they are checking: Whether they practice hand hygiene, line care and catheter removal as everyday habits.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW The nurse provides safe, organized care by assessing patients, giving medications and treatments, creating care plans, and keeping accurate records. They also work with doctors, families, and other healthcare team members to meet patients’ needs, improve care, and handle safety concerns. 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. EDUCATION AND/OR 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/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 OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES May include color blind test (per department guidelines) LEVEL OF SUPERVISION N/A 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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