Registered Nurse - Medical Unit

Essentia Health

Brainerd, Minnesota

You'll manage each patient's care from assessment through planning, intervention and evaluation.

Posted Aug 11 · New grads welcomed

Shift and hours: Straight nights · Permanent night rotation · Overnight shift, 7:00PM to 7:30AM Straight Nights Permanent Night Rotation (United States of America) Overnight Shift: 7:00PM - 7:30AM48 hours per pay period
Unit and setting: Medical Unit · Hospital Including those recovering from strokes and those requiring neurological evaluations.Neurological patients, including stroke recovery
License: RN license Current nursing licensure in state(s) of employmentCurrent nursing license in the state of employment
Term: Permanent

Do you qualify?

New grads: Welcomed
License: Current nursing license in the state of employment Current nursing licensure in state(s) of employment
Education: BSN or ADN from an accredited nursing school BSN or ADN degree from an accredited school or college of nursing.

Your six-month RN application plan

Start about six months before graduation. Some programs open earlier; use each employer’s application dates. See program calendars.

Graduation month

6 months before
Shortlist units
Check application windows. Gather clinical experience, references and your expected graduation date.
Find residencies
4–6 months before
Apply as windows open
Apply before graduation when the program allows it. Keep the cohort date and license deadline with each application.
Explore new grad jobs
2–3 months before
Meet the unit manager
Ask about overtime, a shadow shift, preceptor continuity and the schedule after orientation.
Prepare your questions
Around graduation
Confirm your start
Coordinate NCLEX, the required license and your start date. Get relocation and repayment terms in writing.
Plan your license

What it pays

Against similar roles: In range for Minnesota staff rolesMinnesota staff postings that state pay run $27/hr to $60/hr, the middle half $34/hr to $55/hr, across 1,789 postings.
Bonus: Hiring incentive Join our team as a Registered Nurse and be eligible for a hiring incentive!Join our team as a Registered Nurse

Benefits

BenefitsMedical, dental and vision insuranceMedical, dental, and vision insurance options to ensure employees' well-being.
BenefitsLife and disability insuranceOur comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
Benefits401(k) with employer contributions401(k) with employer contributions to support long-term financial security.
BenefitsTuition reimbursement and trainingOpportunities for career growth through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs.
BenefitsFlexible scheduling, paid time off and personal leaveFlexible scheduling, paid time off, and personal leave to help employees manage their professional and personal lives.
BenefitsFitness memberships, counseling and wellness activitiesInitiatives focused on physical, mental, and emotional health, including fitness memberships, counseling services, and wellness activities

More benefits (9)

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401k/Retirement
Tuition Reimbursement
PTO
Wellness Programs

The role and schedule

Union: Unionized: St Josephs MNA RNs (STJRN) St Josephs MNA RNs (STJRN)
Patients: COPD and other respiratory patients Such as individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions.
Patients: Diabetes, infections, abdominal pain and GI bleeds Managing a range of diagnoses including diabetes, infections (e.g., flu and COVID-19), abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Patients: Post-procedural hernia repair and ENT surgery patients Care for individuals recovering from procedures like hernia repairs and ENT surgeries.
Day to day: Delegating care to nursing staff Act as a team leader by delegating care responsibilities to nursing staff based on their licensure, training, and role specifications.
Weekends: Every third weekend Every Third Weekend
On call: No call obligation Call Obligation:
Details: Remote or hybrid option possible Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

The workplace

Essentia Health

Health system employer

Organization profile

The team behind this role

Preceptors and orientation

Residency features a 3-part framework including cohort classes, transition coaching, and 1:1 coaching guidance throughout the first year starting at hire.

Essentia Health · employer research

Sources

As of 2026-10-09Source 1: essentiacareers.org Source 2: essentiacareers.org

Explore Essentia Health

Ask Mira

Your fit

Questions to ask

Can you walk me through differentials?
What are the holiday requirements?
What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
How are patient load, floating, and staffing support handled day to day?

Build questions for this role

[data-job-fit-skeleton]{display:none}Answer a few questions to see your fit

On your path

Med surg is open from year one. A broad first base while you learn which path pulls harder.

See your route →Check first: New-grad residency fine print

Original listing

Read full text

Building location: St Josephs Medical Center
Department: 4003250 Nursing - Medical - Sjmc

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.

New Grads welcome to apply!

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 Unit provides care for

Neurological Patients: Including those recovering from strokes and those requiring neurological evaluations.

Respiratory Patients: Such as individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions.

General Medical Conditions: Managing a range of diagnoses including diabetes, infections (e.g., flu and COVID-19), abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Post-Procedural Patients: Care for individuals recovering from procedures like hernia repairs and ENT surgeries.

This position will work the following

48 hours per pay period

Every Third Weekend

Straight Nights

Overnight 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 1 month

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

0.6

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option

Shift Rotation

Permanent Night Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time

7:00PM - 7:30AM

Shift End Time

Weekends

Every Third Weekend

Holidays

Yes

Call Obligation

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.

What's around it?

In Brainerd, MN

Brainerd, MNFrom Census ACS 2024.

Living costs about the same as the US average

Median rent: $827/mo
Household income: $56,111/yr, all local households, not nurse pay

Life in Brainerd, MN

NeighborhoodsBrainerd and its adjacent twin community of Baxter form the core hub of the region, each presenting distinct residential personalities. Brainerd features older, historic riverside neighborhoods with established character and proximity to the historic Northern Pacific Center and downtown shops. In contrast, Baxter functions as the newer retail and suburban extension, featuring newer residential developments, broader commercial options, and modern amenities. Healthcare workers also frequently look further north into resort-oriented lakeshore communities such as Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, and Crosslake, which offer premium waterfront living but require longer seasonal commutes.

Brainerd and its adjacent twin community of Baxter form the core hub of the region, each presenting distinct residential personalities. Brainerd features older, historic riverside neighborhoods with established character and proximity to the historic Northern Pacific Center and downtown shops.

In contrast, Baxter functions as the newer retail and suburban extension, featuring newer residential developments, broader commercial options, and modern amenities. Healthcare workers also frequently look further north into resort-oriented lakeshore communities such as Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, and Crosslake, which offer premium waterfront living but require longer seasonal commutes.

Sources

As of Sep 16, 2026Source 1: youtube.com Source 2: chadschwendeman.com Source 3: exploreminnesota.com

Getting aroundEveryday driving is straightforward during the off-season, with average daily commutes clocking in around 15 minutes. However, summer weekend traffic transforms major arteries—particularly Minnesota State Highway 371 and Washington Street connecting Brainerd and Baxter—as tourists and cabin owners flood the lakes area. The area features low transit dependence and requires personal vehicles for reliable shift commuting, especially in winter. For regional travel, Brainerd is served by the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and sits approximately two hours north of the Twin Cities.

Everyday driving is straightforward during the off-season, with average daily commutes clocking in around 15 minutes. However, summer weekend traffic transforms major arteries—particularly Minnesota State Highway 371 and Washington Street connecting Brainerd and Baxter—as tourists and cabin owners flood the lakes area.

The area features low transit dependence and requires personal vehicles for reliable shift commuting, especially in winter. For regional travel, Brainerd is served by the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and sits approximately two hours north of the Twin Cities.

Sources

As of Sep 16, 2026Source 1: livability.com Source 2: apartments.com Source 3: youtube.com Source 4: reddit.com

OutdoorsKnown as 'Minnesota's Playground,' the region is anchored by the Mississippi River and surrounded by over 450 to 500 freshwater lakes, including premier fishing and boating hubs like Gull Lake, Pelican Lake, and the Whitefish Chain. The 100-mile paved Paul Bunyan State Trail cuts directly through the area, offering long-distance cycling, running, and snowmobiling. Paddling, kayaking, and mine pit exploring near Crosby-Ironton give outdoor enthusiasts continuous access to recreation across all four seasons.

Known as 'Minnesota's Playground,' the region is anchored by the Mississippi River and surrounded by over 450 to 500 freshwater lakes, including premier fishing and boating hubs like Gull Lake, Pelican Lake, and the Whitefish Chain. The 100-mile paved Paul Bunyan State Trail cuts directly through the area, offering long-distance cycling, running, and snowmobiling.

Paddling, kayaking, and mine pit exploring near Crosby-Ironton give outdoor enthusiasts continuous access to recreation across all four seasons.

Sources

As of Sep 16, 2026Source 1: apartments.com Source 2: exploreminnesota.com

Others hiring in Brainerd, MN

Check licensing in MN

See Brainerd, MN

Moving for this role?

Living in Brainerd

Brainerd offers healthcare professionals an authentic Northwoods lifestyle centered on over 500 surrounding lakes and the banks of the Mississippi River. Relocating nurses will find a distinct community rhythm: central Brainerd provides historic, established neighborhoods near the Northern Pacific Center and downtown local spots like Shep's on 6th, while neighboring Baxter delivers suburban retail convenience, Jack Pine Brewery, and newer housing tracts. Off-shift hours can be spent cycling the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail, watching drag racing at Brainerd International Raceway, or dockside dining at Gull Lake venues like Ernie's. The seasonal tradeoffs, however, require real preparation. Winters are severe, prolonged, and require confident cold-weather driving. Conversely, summers bring a massive influx of tourists and cabin-goers that transforms quiet local routes like Highway 371 into bustling vacation arteries. For clinicians looking to escape dense urban congestion without sacrificing essential retail and outdoor recreation, Brainerd offers a grounded, community-focused base with unbeatable access to Minnesota's outdoors.

AI area guide

Sources

As of 2026Source 1: youtube.com Source 2: visitbrainerdbaxter.com Source 3: explorebrainerdlakes.com Source 4: apartments.com

Compare living costs Plan your license move Explore this area

Nurses on this role

Help improve this pageShare what it’s like, leave a heads-up, or fix a detail.

What would you like to do?

What was it really like?

Your connectionWould you recommend it?Your role (optional)Unit (optional)

Add ratings or a short headline

Short headline (optional)StaffingManagementSchedulingOrientationCultureTime there (optional)

I understand that, after review, Nursing Mastery may publish this anonymously.

A person reviews every submission before anything changes.

Do you qualify?

Shortlist units

Apply as windows open

Meet the unit manager

Confirm your start

What it pays

Benefits

The role and schedule

The workplace

The team behind this role

Ask Mira

Your fit

Questions to ask

On your path

Original listing

Education

Qualifications

What you'll get to do in this role

Our Medical Unit provides care for

This position will work the following

Licensure/Certification

Qualifications

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health

FTE

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option

Shift Rotation

Shift Start Time

Shift End Time

Weekends

Holidays

Call Obligation

Union

Compensation Range

What's around it?

Brainerd, MNiFrom Census ACS 2024.

Life in Brainerd, MN

Moving for this role?

Nurses on this role

Nurses on this role

The team behind this role

Life in Brainerd, MN

Moving for this role?

Nurses on this role

Brainerd, MNFrom Census ACS 2024.