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Registered Nurse (RN) - Med/Surg (Day/Night Shift)

Essentia Health

Brainerd, Minnesota

$41.22–$61.83/hr

About $86k–$129k/yr

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Essentia Health workplace
RNHealthcare OccupationsPatient Care Nursing OccupationsNursing OccupationsRegistered Nurses

Posted Aug 11, 2026 · Last seen active Aug 12, 2026

What this might mean for you

Essentia Health is hiring for its own floors — no agency between you and the manager. The posted pay pencils out to roughly $86k–$129k a year. It's a day shift — the full-speed version of the unit, with every specialist in the building.

What the posting states

Shift
Days
Weekends, holidays, call
Every Third Weekend

About this role

Show full description
Building Location: St Josephs Medical Center Department: 4003240 MED SURG - SJMC Job Description: Job Description Summary Become part of Essentia’s accomplished team as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota, where 465 lakes provide endless options for water sports and recreation. These cities, 125 miles north of Minneapolis, are at the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, one of the state’s top vacation destinations. Education Qualifications: BSN or ADN degree from an accredited school or college of nursing. What you'll get to do in this role: Lead Patient Care: Organize and deliver comprehensive care by managing all phases of the patient care process, including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Guide and Delegate: Act as a team leader by delegating care responsibilities to nursing staff based on their licensure, training, and role specifications. Contribute to a Greater Mission: Play a crucial role in advancing the facility’s and Essentia’s mission and goals, making a meaningful impact on the community we serve. Ensure Compliance: Adhere to the standards set by the Joint Commission and other relevant federal, state, and local regulatory or accrediting agencies. Our Medical/Surgical Unit cares for: Orthopedic Post-Operative Patients: Including those recovering from total knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. Fracture and Repair Cases: General fractures, as well as tendon and ligament repairs. Post-Surgical Patients: Following back and neck surgeries, urological procedures, abdominal procedures, and ENT surgeries. Medical Overflow Patients: Providing care for patients requiring additional medical support beyond standard unit capacity. This position will work the following: 60 hours per pay period Every Third Weekend • 12 Hour Shifts Day Shift: 7:00AM - 7:30PM Night Shift: 7:00PM - 7:30AM Join our team as a Registered Nurse and be eligible for a hiring incentive! This incentive is designed to welcome you and reward your commitment to joining our dedicated healthcare team. Licensure/Certification Qualifications: Current nursing licensure in state(s) of employment BLS certification within one month ACLS certification within one year Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options to ensure employees' well-being. Retirement Savings Plans: 401(k) with employer contributions to support long-term financial security. Professional Development: Opportunities for career growth through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and personal leave to help employees manage their professional and personal lives. Employee Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on physical, mental, and emotional health, including fitness memberships, counseling services, and wellness activities. FTE: 0.75 Possible Remote/Hybrid Option: Shift Rotation: Day/Night Rotation (United States of America) Shift Start Time: 7:00AM - 7:30PM Shift End Time: 7:00PM - 7:30AM Weekends: Every Third Weekend Holidays: Yes Call Obligation: No Union: St Josephs MNA RNs (STJRN) Compensation Range: $41.22 - $61.83 Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.

Skills for this role

Patient Care

Certifications

BLSACLS

Requirements

  • Patient treatment planning
  • Managed Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • TJC
  • Direct patient care
  • Care plan evaluation
  • Nursing
  • Surgery
  • Weekends as needed

About the employer

Essentia Health logo
Essentia Health
Hospital

You would be joining Essentia Health in Duluth, where a new hospital looks out over Lake Superior and the system anchors care across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin with about 15,000 employees, 14 hospitals, and roughly 70 clinic and outpatient…

4.0 Google rating
Essentia Health workplace

What reviewers appreciate

  • Yearlong Nurse Residency with monthly class, 1:1 coaching, and NCLEX prep for RNs with under one year of experience
  • Posted new-grad starts at $45.03/hr ADN and $46.03/hr BSN in Duluth/Superior
  • Hiring incentives up to $7,500 ADN and $10,000 BSN for Duluth RN residents

What reviewers flag

  • Union contract negotiations in Duluth have centered on staffing standards, with leadership saying experienced nurses leave over unsafe conditions
  • Clinic nurses and APPs held multi-week ULP strikes in 2025; some contracts remained unresolved after the walkout ended
  • Glassdoor overall near 3.6/5 with senior management rated lowest among categories
unionizedresidency-supportednew-grad focusedlake-front campusmulti-state systemMagnet pathway

Living in Brainerd, MN

Brainerd is a small city in central Minnesota's lake country, surrounded by woods and water. It serves as a regional hub for healthcare and retail in the Brainerd Lakes area, popular with summer vacationers but quiet year-round. A solid fit for outdoorsy nurses who prefer small-town living.

Map showing the location of Brainerd, MN
Brainerd, MN on the map · © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap· Open the live map
State price level · Minnesota
98.6
1% below the national average
Median gross rent
$827/mo
rent and tenant-paid utilities

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 Regional Price Parities · Census ACS 2024

Browse open roles in Brainerd

Worth asking

The posting doesn’t answer these. Good ones to ask a recruiter or in the interview.

  • Can you walk me through the base pay range and differentials?
  • What should I expect for weekly hours, holiday, call, and rotation?
  • What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
  • How are patient load, floating, and staffing support handled day to day?
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