Registered Nurse
Short Stay Observation Unit
Details
Location:
Mercy Medical Center, downtown Cedar Rapids
FTE:
Full & part-time opportunities available
Shift:
Day, night & weekend option shift available
Sign-On Bonus up to $15,000 • $5,000 Relocation Assistance*
New Grads Welcome
Mercy Cedar Rapids is hiring registered nurses (RN), experienced and new graduates, to join our 28-bed Short Stay Observation (SSO) Unit. This unique unit cares for patients who need short hospital stays (typically 24–48 hours) following the Emergency Department visit or surgery.
As a part of the SSO team, you’ll care for a diverse patient population including post-op, orthopedic, urology, cardiology, and acute pain cases. It’s an ideal environment for nurses who want to build broad clinical skills while helping patients safely transition home.
What You’ll Do
- Provide safe, high-quality, patient-centered care to short-stay patients
- Monitor and assess patients recovering from surgery, illness, or acute conditions
- Recognize changes in condition and respond appropriately
- Educate patients and families to ensure confident, successful discharge
- Collaborate closely with physicians, techs, and interdisciplinary team members
- Maintain accurate, real-time documentation and communicate effectively at hand-offs
- Delegate appropriately and promote a respectful, team-focused environment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities You'll Need
- Strong assessment skills and sound clinical judgment
- Ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-moving environment
- Effective communicator with patients, families, and team members
- Comfortable navigating electronic medical records and documentation systems
- Commitment to patient safety and quality outcomes
- Collaborative mindset with a focus on teamwork
What We’re Looking For:
- Current RN license (Iowa or compact state)
- BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- BSN preferred (not required)
- Previous acute care experience preferred (new graduates welcome)
- Nurse who is adaptable, compassionate, organized, and thrives in variety
Why You'll Love this Role:
- Up to $15,000 sign-on bonus
- Hands-on orientation and mentorship
- Opportunities to build experience across multiple specialties
Why You'll Love Mercy:
Competitive pay and generous benefits matter, and Mercy Cedar Rapids is proud to offer both. But, as a Forbes Top 10 Employer in Iowa, it’s our sense of community, shared purpose, and dedication to caring for others that truly set us apart.
*Relocation assistance available to candidates with a home-address more than 75 miles from Mercy Medical Center in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ask your talent acquisition consultant for additional details.
Meet Brian, Nurse Manager, Short Stay Observation Unit