Registered Nurse - Stepdown / Critical Care

SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

Provides direct nursing care in settings where patients require complex assessments and intervention, in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols of the healthcare organization.

Posted Sep 10 · New grads welcomed

Shift and hours: Night shift Night Shift (United States of America)36 hours a week
Unit and setting: Neuroscience Center (7SW) · Hospital 1006000007 Neuroscience Center (7SW)
License: RN license Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Term: Permanent

Do you qualify?

New grads: Welcomed No experience required
License: Registered Nurse (RN), Wisconsin Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Check your license
License: Registered Nurse (RN) issued by a compact state Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State Check your license
Certification: Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
Certification: Advanced Life Support (ALS), one of listed alternatives Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
Certification: Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC), one of listed alternatives Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
Certification: Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), one of listed alternatives Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
Certification: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), one of listed alternatives Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
Certification: Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), one of listed alternatives Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
Education: graduate of accredited nursing school or education equivalency for licensing Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing

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

Benefits

Benefitsone week paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children, pro-rated by FTEwe offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
Benefitsearly access to earned unpaid base pay via DailyPay, fees may applyour voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
Benefitsupfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Fundedwe provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.
Paid Parental Leave
Flexible Payment Options (DailyPay)
Upfront Tuition Coverage (FlexPath Funded)

Posted pay in Wisconsin

The role and schedule

Day to day: applies evidence-based practice to critical care nursing
Day to day: works in a constant state of alertness Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Day to day: implements the plan to maintain a safe environment with the care team Implements the plan, employing strategies to promote and maintain a safe environment, coordinates implementation with patient, family and interprofessional team.
Hours stated: Night Shift (United States of America)
Details: constant standing and walking Constant standing and walking.
Details: occasional lifting and moving of patients Occasional lifting/moving of patients.

The workplace

SSM Health

Hiring organization

Organization profile

Ask Mira

Your fit

Questions to ask

Can you walk me through base pay range and differentials?
What should I expect for weekend, 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?

Build questions for this role

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

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.

See your route →

Original listing

Posted on SSM Health’s careers page.

Read full text

It's more than a career, it's a calling. WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison Worker Type: Regular Job

Summary

Provides direct nursing care in settings where patients require complex assessments and intervention, in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols of the healthcare organization. Job Responsibilities and

Requirements

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Obtains comprehensive data pertinent to the patient from the patient, family other healthcare providers to develop a holistic picture of the patient’s needs or condition. Analyzes and synthesizes data from the assessment in determining diagnosis or conditions relevant to care. Identifies optimal outcomes for the patient in collaboration with the patient, family and interprofessional team.

Develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternatives to attain outcomes, using clinical judgement in collaboration with patient, family and interprofessional care team. Implements the plan, employing strategies to promote and maintain a safe environment, coordinates implementation with patient, family and interprofessional team. Evaluates processes and progress toward attainment of goals and outcomes.

Contributes to the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice, evaluates their own practice, and maintains current knowledge and competence. Communicates effectively in all areas of practice, collaborates with patient, family and interprofessional team. Uses clinical inquiry and integrates best evidence into practice.

Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to critical care nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service. Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing EXPERIENCE No experience required PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication. Constant standing and walking. Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.

Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry. Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors. Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.

Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc. Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs. Occasional lifting/moving of patients. Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.

Occasional driving. Rare crawling and running. REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS State of Work Location: Illinois Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) And Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) And Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) State of Work Location: Missouri Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) And Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration Or Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State And Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) State of Work Location: Oklahoma Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) And Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State And Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) And Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) State of Work Location: Wisconsin Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) And Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State Or Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services And Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) Or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Work Shift: Night Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: 1006000007 Neuroscience Center (7SW) Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36

Benefits

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs. Paid Parental Leave : we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.

Upfront Tuition Coverage : we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. Explore All Benefits SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Click here to learn more.

What's around it?

In Madison, WI

Madison, WIFrom Census ACS 2024.

Living costs about 3% below the US average

Median rent: $1,413/mo
Household income: $78,050/yr, all local households, not nurse pay

Life in Madison, WI

NeighborhoodsRecent grads and young professionals on Reddit often look at East Washington Avenue and blocks right by the Capitol, plus East Side pockets that stay cheaper than the near-east even as they gentrify; Sun Prairie comes up as a cheaper bedroom-community commute. Extra Space’s 2026 roundup flags Hill Farms-University as the in-city budget option (median home $274,000, median rent $708), Marquette for historic charm and lakeside recreation ($298,833 / $1,186), Vilas near UW–Madison ($393,950 / $1,475), and Dudgeon-Monroe as a tree-lined mix of families and young pros with more than a mile and a half of Monroe Street shops ($423,567 / $1,287). Families are frequently pointed toward suburbs Verona, Middleton, and Waunakee.

Recent grads and young professionals on Reddit often look at East Washington Avenue and blocks right by the Capitol, plus East Side pockets that stay cheaper than the near-east even as they gentrify; Sun Prairie comes up as a cheaper bedroom-community commute. Extra Space’s 2026 roundup flags Hill Farms-University as the in-city budget option (median home $274,000, median rent $708), Marquette for historic charm and lakeside recreation ($298,833 / $1,186), Vilas near UW–Madison ($393,950 / $1,475), and Dudgeon-Monroe as a tree-lined mix of families and young pros with more than a mile and a half of Monroe Street shops ($423,567 / $1,287).

Families are frequently pointed toward suburbs Verona, Middleton, and Waunakee.

Sources

As of Sep 11, 2026Source 1: reddit.com Source 2: extraspace.com Source 3: facebook.com

Getting aroundU.S. News puts the typical Madison commute at about 18.31 minutes. Metro Transit’s Rapid Route A BRT runs east-west from the Sun Prairie Park and Ride to Junction Road with 15-minute weekday service until 8:00 p.m. and 15-minute Saturday service until 7:00 p.m.; Routes B and F also board along that corridor, so a home near a BRT station can feel closer than the map suggests. Redfin scores transit 35/100 and flags limited, inconsistent buses especially in the suburbs, so most nurses will still want a car. The west side holds about 33,000 residents and more than 23,000 jobs concentrated around University Research Park; UW Hospital and Clinics is the named major healthcare hub. Hospital parking and shift-specific routes are not covered in these sources.

U.S. News puts the typical Madison commute at about 18.31 minutes. Metro Transit’s Rapid Route A BRT runs east-west from the Sun Prairie Park and Ride to Junction Road with 15-minute weekday service until 8:00 p.m. and 15-minute Saturday service until 7:00 p.m.; Routes B and F also board along that corridor, so a home near a BRT station can feel closer than the map suggests.

Redfin scores transit 35/100 and flags limited, inconsistent buses especially in the suburbs, so most nurses will still want a car. The west side holds about 33,000 residents and more than 23,000 jobs concentrated around University Research Park; UW Hospital and Clinics is the named major healthcare hub.

Hospital parking and shift-specific routes are not covered in these sources.

Sources

As of Sep 11, 2026Source 1: realestate.usnews.com Source 2: susansuttonhomes.com Source 3: redfin.com Source 4: apartmentguide.com

OutdoorsMadison sits between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona among five area lakes, with 307 parks, a free Henry Vilas Zoo, and more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails including the Capital City State Trail. Named greenspaces include Olbrich Park and Hillington Green Park in Dudgeon-Monroe; residents kayak, fish, boat, and paddleboard the lakes, and state parks sit within about an hour’s drive. Winters shut down much of this, but summers turn the lakes, beer gardens, and trail network into daily life rather than weekend trips.

Madison sits between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona among five area lakes, with 307 parks, a free Henry Vilas Zoo, and more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails including the Capital City State Trail. Named greenspaces include Olbrich Park and Hillington Green Park in Dudgeon-Monroe; residents kayak, fish, boat, and paddleboard the lakes, and state parks sit within about an hour’s drive.

Winters shut down much of this, but summers turn the lakes, beer gardens, and trail network into daily life rather than weekend trips.

Sources

As of Sep 11, 2026Source 1: visitmadison.com Source 2: redfin.com Source 3: youtube.com Source 4: apartmentguide.com Source 5: extraspace.com

Others hiring in Madison, WI

Check licensing in WI

See Madison, WI

Moving for this role?

Living in Madison

Madison is a mid-size capital and Big Ten town squeezed between Lakes Mendota and Monona, with 307 parks, 200-plus miles of trails, a free Henry Vilas Zoo, and the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Capitol Square. Nurses get UW Hospital and Clinics plus west-side jobs at University Research Park; typical commute is about 18 minutes, but Rapid Route A is the only frequent BRT spine and Transit Score is 35, so most still drive. Young professionals land on the East Side, East Wash, and near the Capitol; Hill Farms-University is the budget in-city option, Dudgeon-Monroe and Vilas cost more near Monroe Street and campus. Food is a genuine draw—The Old Fashioned, Graze, State Street Brats, Olbrich Biergarten, and a thick brewery circuit. Locals are blunt about tradeoffs: winters can run November through March, listings hit about $486k in 2026, diversity is limited, and this is not a big city. If you bike, boat, and can handle a long winter, daily quality of life is the pitch.

AI area guide

Sources

As of 2026Source 1: visitmadison.com Source 2: realestate.usnews.com Source 3: susansuttonhomes.com Source 4: extraspace.com Source 5: redfin.com Source 6: concoursehotel.com Source 7: youtube.com Source 8: thehonestlocal.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

Ask Mira

Your fit

Questions to ask

On your path

Original listing

Summary

Requirements

Benefits

What's around it?

Madison, WIiFrom Census ACS 2024.

Life in Madison, WI

Moving for this role?

Nurses on this role

Nurses on this role

Life in Madison, WI

Moving for this role?

Nurses on this role

Madison, WIFrom Census ACS 2024.