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RN, New Graduate Pathway into ICU/Critical Care (Fall/Winter 2026 RN Graduates)

Bellin Gundersen · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 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

Why do you want to work in critical care, and why start on med/surg first?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that strong basic nursing skills come before ICU work and are willing to build them.

Tell me about a clinical experience in school where you felt out of your depth. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask for help and learn rather than hiding uncertainty, which is key for a new nurse.

How do you take feedback from a preceptor, especially when it stings?

What they are checking: Whether they can accept correction and grow, which drives success in a structured orientation.

How do you take care of yourself during a hard first year of nursing?

What they are checking: Whether they have real plans for stress so they can last in high-acuity nursing.

Tell me about a time you worked closely with a team under pressure.

What they are checking: Whether they work well in a team and communicate clearly when things get tense.

What would you do

You're a new grad with four patients on a med/surg floor. How would you plan your first hour of the shift?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize patients and tasks in a safe and organized way.

You'll have three ICU immersion shifts every six weeks. How would you make the most of them?

What they are checking: Whether they will use those shifts to learn and build relationships with the ICU team.

A family member asks you a question about their loved one's prognosis that you can't answer. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they stay honest, compassionate and within their scope while getting the right person involved.

About the work

One of your patients' blood pressure drops and their heart rate goes up. What do you think could be happening and what do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can recognize early signs of a patient getting worse and call for help quickly.

What do you know about sepsis, and what early signs would make you worried?

What they are checking: Whether they have the basic knowledge to catch one of the most common causes of patient decline.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Bellin Gundersen from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Bellin Gundersen.

Love + medicine is who we are, it's what we do, it's why people want to work here. If you’re looking for a job to love, apply today. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36 Are you an upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduate with a passion for Critical Care? If the ICU is your long-term goal let Emplify Health by Gundersen help prepare you for a successful career in this specialty! You are invited and encouraged to apply prior to your graduation. If you are a Fall/Winter 2026 RN graduate with a desire and passion to become an ICU nurse, we encourage you to apply to this innovative orientation program to accelerate your progression to our high-acuity department. These positions will have orientation in specific MedSurg departments that will assist in preparation for your career in the ICU/Critical Care. Throughout this program you will get an opportunity to work the med/surg floors, seeing a variety of patient populations and building your foundational nursing skills while having 3 immersion shifts in the ICU every 6 weeks. These immersion shifts will help foster and build rapport with the ICU team and become familiar with ICU department policies, procedures, and patient populations. Your professional development nurses will support you along the way and help you grow your professional practice to ensure you have a successful career in your chosen specialty. Our Level II Trauma ICU/Critical Care unit is a fast-paced, 20-bed unit that provides patient- and family-centered care for a variety of high-acuity patients including post-cardiothoracic surgery, neurovascular interventions, ventilated patients, traumas, continuous renal replacement therapy, post-cardiac arrest care, and more. The ICU/Critical Care unit's multidisciplinary team consists of highly skilled RNs, Critical Care Technicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, Intensivists, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Health Unit Coordinators, and other support staff. Position Details: • Fulltime, 72 hours biweekly (0.9 FTE) • 12-hour Day/Night rotation, every third weekend/holiday • There may be varied schedules depending on the orientation unit • Prior Hospital or EMS experience preferred • Enjoy an attractive hourly rate of $38.96 per hour as well as generous shift/weekend/holiday differentials What You'll Need: • A minimum of an Associate's degree in Nursing upon hire • RN licensure to practice in the state of Wisconsin upon hire • Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment What You'll Get: • Unlimited potential at one of the leading health systems in the midwestern United States • A highly adaptable and mission-driven organization with a work environment that supports you personally and professionally and a work culture where you are valued and appreciated • Departmental leadership that supports you as you do your best work including a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Clinical Manager, Clinical Supervisor, Critical Care RN Communicators, Professional Development Nurse, and Quality Improvement Specialist Nurse • Have your voice heard through our Nursing Shared Governance Councils • Competitive Compensation: Enjoy an attractive hourly rate, based on your years of experience, as well as generous shift differentials, ensuring your skills and dedication are valued and rewarded • A comprehensive and generous benefits package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA) ensuring your comfort and well-being as a valuable team member • Substantial retirement contribution including 401k match & annual discretionary base contribution • Support for your career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, our Tuition Investment Program, and Career Development Center • Other benefits include a Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and AD&D, optional short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, identity theft protection, pet insurance, Inspire & Celebrate colleague recognition and rewards program, a discount program, and more! We're healthcare for neighbors, by neighbors. Inside our walls and our neighborhoods, we deliver world-class medical care and the right amount of love. We call it Love + Medicine and it’s more than our practice. It's who we are. Join our mission in changing healthcare by applying today to join our highly skilled and dedicated Critical Care ICU team all while doing the work you love in the beautiful coulee region of La Crosse, Wisconsin! About Us: Emplify Health by Gundersen is the leading provider of primary and specialized care in western Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, and northeast Iowa, serving more than 500,000 residents throughout 19 counties annually. Our physician-led, not-for-profit healthcare system includes a 325-bed teaching hospital and Level II Trauma Center; community clinics; affiliate hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes; behavioral health services; vision centers; pharmacies; and air and ground ambulance services. Our mission is simple yet profound: Together, we inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning, and innovating. We deliver Love + Medicine every day to change lives in our communities and enrich the lives of our employees. I f you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact HR-Recruitment@gundersenhealth.org or call 608-775-0267. We inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating. This is our purpose. Together with our values — belonging, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork and humility — our pillars set our foundation and our future. Equal Opportunity Employer

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