JobsAdvocate Health

Registered Nurse (RN): Newly Licensed Ortho Joint Surgical

Advocate Health · Milwaukee, WI

Posted Sep 1, 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 patient you cared for after a joint replacement, or a similar post-op surgical patient if you're newly licensed. Walk me through how you assessed them in the first hour after they arrived on the unit.

whether the candidate understands post-op surgical assessment priorities like neurovascular checks, pain control, and early mobility

Tell me about a time you had to manage a patient's pain who was recovering from major surgery, especially if their pain didn't respond the way you expected to the ordered medication.

comfort with pain management protocols and willingness to reassess and escalate when a plan isn't working

Tell me about a time you had to advocate for a patient when you disagreed with a physician's plan or felt something was being missed.

willingness to speak up and escalate concerns respectfully, a core expectation for patient safety

Describe a moment when you had to deliver difficult news or manage a frustrated patient or family member. How did you handle it?

communication skills and composure under emotional pressure, common on a surgical recovery floor

If you're newly licensed, tell me what you're hoping to get out of a nurse residency program, and what part of ortho surgical nursing feels the least familiar to you right now.

self-awareness and honesty about the learning curve, useful for tailoring preceptor support

Why does this unit, ortho joint surgical med-surg, interest you specifically, rather than another med-surg floor?

genuine motivation and fit for the specialty versus applying broadly for any open nursing job

Technical

How would you recognize the early signs of a surgical site infection or a DVT in a post-op ortho patient, and what would you do first if you suspected one?

depth of clinical knowledge specific to ortho surgical complications, and whether escalation steps are appropriate

What do you know about neurovascular checks for a patient who just had a knee or shoulder replacement, and how often would you expect to be doing them?

baseline clinical competency in a specialty that's new territory for many newly licensed nurses

This unit also cares for ENT patients and patients with artificial airways. If you had a patient with a new tracheostomy, what would you be watching for in the first 24 hours?

whether the candidate can speak to the breadth of patient types on this specific unit, not just orthopedics

What does evidence-based practice mean to you in your day-to-day work, and can you give an example of using a policy or protocol rather than just going with habit?

whether the candidate can connect abstract language from the posting to concrete clinical behavior

Situational

A patient who had hip replacement surgery yesterday is due for their first walk with physical therapy, but tells you they're too dizzy and in too much pain to get up. What do you do?

clinical judgment around balancing early mobility protocols with patient safety and pain management

You have four patients on this unit, some fresh post-op and some getting ready for discharge. How do you decide who you see first when you start your shift?

prioritization skills under a real med-surg patient load

This unit runs 12-hour shifts with self-scheduling, every third weekend, and a holiday rotation. How do you think about building a schedule that works for you and still covers the unit fairly?

realistic expectations about shift work and willingness to participate in team-based scheduling

Picture a patient who suddenly becomes short of breath and anxious two days after hip surgery. What are you thinking through in that moment?

ability to recognize and respond to a possible pulmonary embolism or other post-op emergency under pressure

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Advocate Health.

Department: 34409 Aurora St. Lukes Medical Center - Med Surg: IU 11T Joint Status: Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 36 Schedule Details/Additional Information: Schedule: • 36 hours per week, 12-hour shifts, 6-week self-scheduling • Various shifts: 1100-2330, 1900-0730 • Every third weekend and 50% holiday rotation • (Weekend program may be available, if interested, please ask!) Benefits: • Comprehensive and competitive benefit package • Nurse Residency for those with less than 1 years experience • Student Loan Forgiveness: up to $21,000 • Tuition Reimbursement: up to $7,200 per year • Differentials: PM's: $4.00 per hour, Nights $5.00 per hour, Weekend rotation: $4.00 per hour • Referral Bonus Pay Range: $38.20 - $57.30 11T: Ortho Joint Surgical Med/Surg Specialty Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee Wisconsin 53215 Where You Will Work: 11T: Ortho Joint Surgical unit is a 24 inpatient private bed unit in the Garden Tower providing care to post-op ortho surgical patients: ortho surgical, Ear nose and throat, artificial airways, spinal (non-neuro procedure) knee, hip, shoulder replacement. We promote growth and development of our nurses by encouraging certification in Ortho, Med-Surg, Pain, Palliative Care and Geriatrics.  Shared Governance opportunities for growth in career: ACC, ADVANCE, NSI champion groups and support of professional development opportunities at a local and national level.  We’re Looking For: • Completion of an accredited or approved program in nursing • Accepting newly licensed and experienced RN’s • Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the teammate practices • Preferred bachelor’s degree in nursing • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association 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: The future of medicine is happening here at Aurora St. Luke’s, and you’re at the center. No matter what your need – common surgery or pioneering treatment – you can count on our experienced and specialty physicians to provide expert care and excellent outcomes. As the only hospital in Wisconsin with a 24/7 on-site heart-care team, you can expect to receive premiere cardiac services. Both the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have recognized Aurora St. Luke’s performance in treating cardiac and stroke patients. 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. Ready to Take the Next Step: Apply Now! Schedule: • 36 hours per week, 12-hour shifts, 6-week self-scheduling • Various shifts: 1100-2330, 1900-0730 • Every third weekend and 50% holiday rotation • Weekend program may be available, please ask if interested! Benefits: • Comprehensive and competitive benefit package • Student Loan Forgiveness: up to $21,000 • Tuition Reimbursement: up to $7,200 per year • Differentials: Nights $5.00 per hour/ Weekends: $4.00 per hour • Nurse Residency for RNs with less than 1 year experience • Military friendly • Referral Bonus This job description 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. 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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