Registered Nurse (RN) Medical Unit

St. Josephs Medical Center

Brainerd, Minnesota

St. Josephs Medical Center is hiring for its own floors, with no agency in between.

Posted Aug 31 · New grads welcomed

Shift and hours: 12-⁠hour days
License: RN licenseCurrent nursing licensure in state(s) of employment.
Term: Permanent

Do you qualify?

New grads: Welcomed
License: Current nursing licensure in state(s) of employment.
Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification within one month.
Education: BSN or ADN degree from an accredited school or college of nursing.
Also asks: New Graduate RNs, welcome to apply!

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Original listing

Posted on St. Josephs Medical Center’s careers page.

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

Join Essentia’s accomplished team as a Registered Nurse in Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota, where you can enjoy the beauty of 465 lakes offering endless opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities. Located just 125 miles north of Minneapolis, these vibrant cities are at the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, a premier vacation destination in the state. Education

Qualifications

BSN or ADN degree from an accredited school or college of nursing. New Graduate RNs, 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

60 hours per pay period
Every Third Weekend
Rotating

12 Hour Shifts

Day Shift: 7:00AM - 7:30PM 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification within one 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

0.75

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

Holidays

Yes

Call Obligation

Union

St Josephs MNA RNs (STJRN)

Union Posting Deadline

09/8/2026

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

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Moving for this role?

Check the commute at your shift’s start and end, upfront housing costs, and whether moving assistance must be repaid if you leave.

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

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Do you qualify?

Shortlist units

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Meet the unit manager

Confirm your start

Worth asking

Ask Mira

Your fit

Original listing

Qualifications

What you'll get to do in this role

Our Medical Unit provides care for

This position will work the following

Qualifications

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health

FTE

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option

Shift Rotation

Shift Start Time

Shift End Time

Weekends

Holidays

Call Obligation

Union

Union Posting Deadline

Compensation Range

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health

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

Life in Brainerd, MN

Moving for this role?

Nurses on this role

Brainerd, MNFrom Census ACS 2024.