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

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.

Posted Oct 2 · New grads welcomed

Shift and hours
12-⁠hour shifts · Day/Night rotation 12-hour Day/Night rotation, every third weekend/holiday36 hours a week
Unit and setting
Level II Trauma ICU/Critical Care unit
License
RN license RN licensure to practice in the state of Wisconsin upon hireRN license to practice in Wisconsin, upon hire
Term
Permanent Fulltime, 72 hours biweekly (0.9 FTE)Full time (0.9 FTE)

Do you qualify?

New grads
Welcomed
License
RN license to practice in Wisconsin, upon hire RN licensure to practice in the state of Wisconsin upon hire Check your license
Certification
Current Infant-Adult BLS for Health Care Providers Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers
Education
Associate's degree in Nursing minimum, upon hire A minimum of an Associate's degree in Nursing upon hire
Also asks
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members
Also asks
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment

Preferred

Experience
Prior hospital or EMS experience Prior Hospital or EMS experience preferred
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.

  1. 6 months before

    Shortlist units

    Check application windows. Gather clinical experience, references and your expected graduation date.

    Find residencies
  2. 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
  3. 2–3 months before

    Meet the unit manager

    Ask about overtime, a shadow shift, preceptor continuity and the schedule after orientation.

    Prepare your questions
  4. 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 La Crosse staff RN rolesLa Crosse staff RN postings that state pay run $32/hr to $39/hr, the middle half $33/hr to $39/hr, across 88 postings.
Pay differential
Enjoy an attractive hourly rate of $38.96 per hour as well as generous shift/weekend/holiday differentials Enjoy an attractive hourly rate of $38.96 per hour as well as generous shift/weekend/holiday differentials
Extra pay
Generous shift, weekend and holiday differentials
Pay reviews
Hourly rate based on years of experience Enjoy an attractive hourly rate, based on your years of experience, as well as generous shift differentials

Benefits

  • BenefitsMedical, dental, life insurance, HSA/FSAA comprehensive and generous benefits package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA)
  • Benefits401k match and annual discretionary base contributionSubstantial retirement contribution including 401k match & annual discretionary base contribution
  • BenefitsProfessional development opportunitiesSupport for your career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, our Tuition Investment Program, and Career Development Center
  • BenefitsTuition Investment Program
  • BenefitsCareer Development Center
  • BenefitsWellness program with incentives
More benefits (15)
  • BenefitsEmployer-paid life insurance and AD&D
  • BenefitsOptional short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • BenefitsEmployee assistance program
  • BenefitsIdentity theft protection
  • BenefitsPet insurance
  • BenefitsInspire & Celebrate colleague recognition and rewards program
  • BenefitsDiscount program
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • HSA/FSA
  • 401k match
  • Annual discretionary base retirement contribution
  • Optional short-term and long-term disability
  • Inspire & Celebrate recognition and rewards program

The role and schedule

Patients
high-acuity patients: post-cardiothoracic surgery, neurovascular interventions, ventilated patients, traumas, continuous renal replacement therapy, post-cardiac arrest care
Cross-training
Med/surg floor rotation during orientation Throughout this program you will get an opportunity to work the med/surg floors
Cross-training
3 ICU immersion shifts every 6 weeks while having 3 immersion shifts in the ICU every 6 weeks
Unit size
20-bed ICU/Critical Care unit Our Level II Trauma ICU/Critical Care unit is a fast-paced, 20-bed unit
Weekends
every third weekend 12-hour Day/Night rotation, every third weekend/holiday
Holidays
every third holiday
Details
325-bed teaching hospital includes a 325-bed teaching hospital and Level II Trauma Center
Details
Nursing Shared Governance Councils Have your voice heard through our Nursing Shared Governance Councils

The workplace

15 Gundersen Lutheran Admin Svcs
Hiring organization

Your fit

Questions to ask

  • Can you walk me through base pay range?
  • What should I expect for holiday, call, and rotation?
  • What preceptor time and ongoing unit support are included?
  • How are patient load and floating handled day to day?
Build questions for this role

On your path

ICU / Critical Care has an opening for new graduates. This employer welcomes new graduates for this role. See the posting’s qualifications and orientation details.

Original listing

Posted on 15 Gundersen Lutheran Admin Svcs’ careers page.

Read full text

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

What's around it?

In La Crosse, WI

La Crosse, WIFrom Census ACS 2024.

Living costs about 8% below the US average

Median rent
$1,010/mo
Household income
$55,866/yr, all local households, not nurse pay

See La Crosse, WI

Nurses on this role

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