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Registered Nurse (RN) - Inpatient Surgical Services

ThedaCare · Appleton, WI · Part time

Posted Aug 31, 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 caught a surgical complication early.

What they are checking: Whether they notice subtle changes and act, which makes a real difference in recovery.

Tell me about a time you worked with a surgeon who was hard to reach or hard to talk to.

What they are checking: Whether they can still get what the patient needs through clear, persistent communication.

What draws you to surgical nursing in Appleton?

What they are checking: Whether they have real interest in surgical care, which keeps nurses engaged on a fast-moving unit.

What would you do

Your post-op patient hasn't urinated in eight hours. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they assess for retention and act, rather than assuming it will resolve on its own.

How do you get a patient up walking the day after surgery when they're scared to move?

What they are checking: Whether they coach patients through early mobility, which prevents blood clots and pneumonia.

You have three post-op admissions arriving within an hour. How do you plan?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize a heavy admission flow and ask for help early.

About the work

What do you check first when a patient arrives on the unit from the PACU?

What they are checking: Whether they do a quick, focused assessment of airway, vitals, pain and the surgical site.

How do you manage pain after surgery while watching for respiratory depression?

What they are checking: Whether they balance comfort and safety with opioids, a common risk on surgical units.

A patient's incision looks red and is draining cloudy fluid. Walk me through your response.

What they are checking: Whether they recognize signs of infection and know how to assess, document and escalate.

How do you prepare a surgical patient for discharge home?

What they are checking: Whether they teach wound care, pain control and warning signs clearly so patients don't return.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by ThedaCare.

Why ThedaCare? Living A Life Inspired! Our new vision at ThedaCare is bold, ambitious, and ignited by a shared passion to provide outstanding care. We are inspired to reinvent health care by becoming a proactive partner in health, enriching the lives of all and creating value in everything we do. Each of us are called to take action in delivering higher standards of care, lower costs and a healthier future for our patients, our families, our communities and our world. At ThedaCare, our team members are empowered to be the catalyst of change through our values of compassion, excellence, leadership, innovation, and agility. A career means much more than excellent compensation and benefits. Our team members are supported by continued opportunities for learning and development, accessible and transparent leadership, and a commitment to work/life balance. If you’re interested in joining a health care system that is changing the face of care and well-being in our community, we encourage you to explore a future with ThedaCare. Benefits , with a whole-person approach to wellness – • Lifestyle Engagement • e.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support • Access & Affordability • e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The RN Clinical Nurse provides patient-centered, specialized, evidence-based nursing care across the continuum through an interprofessional approach to treatment, research, education, and advocacy. Contributes to the goals of the department by being accountable for the delivery of compassionate and safe care within the scope of practice as defined by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and ThedaCare policy. Through collaborative practice with members of the care team, is responsible for patient outcomes that meet the high quality of care provided by ThedaCare. Furthers the professional practice of nursing at ThedaCare by promoting a culture of innovation and a commitment to growth and professional development. Job Description: SCHEDULE : • Part time, benefit eligible • 20 Hrs/week • NOC shift (5:30pm-6:00am) • Every 3rd weekend rotation • Holiday rotation KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: • Utilizes the nursing process, evidence-based practice, and specific competencies to assess the physical condition and nursing needs of patients, and develops a plan of care in a collaborative practice with the patient and interprofessional team. • Plans for the care needs of the patient in collaboration with the interprofessional team to provide the highest quality of care and clinical outcomes. • Demonstrates clinical expertise in the provision of care in the clinical specialty assigned, and performs all functions of the professional clinical nurse (RN), which are age appropriate, developmentally sensitive, and culturally specific. • Identifies ways to improve the patient’s experience of care, streamline care processes, and lower costs while promoting quality to improve patient, family, and team member satisfaction. • Contributes to a professional environment that encourages mentoring, engagement, and development to retain expert clinicians. • Provides consultation and maintains positive relationships with physicians and other interprofessional team members, collaborating to problem solve and improve patient care. • Demonstrates, anticipates, and proactively manages risk to prevent crises. 8. Performs skillfully in life threatening emergencies, matching demands and resources during crises situations. QUALIFICATIONS: • Current Wisconsin RN Licensure • American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) • BSN Completion: Upon hire, any non-BSN nurse with less than one (1) year of licensed Registered Nurse experience will be required to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within five (5) years of hire. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of Fifty (50) pounds without assistance • Job classification is exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing job duties • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform patient care procedures WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Frequent exposure to sharp objects and instruments • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock • Occasional high noise level in work environment • Standing and/or walking for extended periods of time • Transporting, transferring, positioning patients and/or equipment from one location to another; little likelihood for injury if proper body mechanics and procedures are followed • Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and pharmacological agents • Occasional contact with aggressive and or combative patients. . Scheduled Weekly Hours: 20 Scheduled FTE: 0.5 Location: ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Appleton - Appleton,Wisconsin Overtime Exempt: No Worker Shift Details: Nights

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