About the position
Mercy Cedar Rapids is seeking newly graduated RN students to join our New Grad Apprentice to RN program. This unique 10-week program is designed for those who have recently graduated but have not yet passed the NCLEX. The program aims to jump-start your nursing career while allowing ample time for studying for the boards. As a nurse apprentice, you will enjoy a higher rate of pay while working a maximum of 24 hours per week. During this period, you will attend all mandatory and department-specific training, gradually learning the routines of your chosen unit. This structured timeline provides a seamless transition into our Nurse Residency Program as a fully licensed Registered Nurse. The program includes six simulations that provide hands-on experience, classroom education to enhance critical thinking skills, and dedicated educators in various departments such as Emergency Department, Cardiac-Stroke, OB, ICU, and Med-Surgical areas. You will also receive computer training to prepare you for your role. Compensation for the New Grad Apprentice position is $21.0581 per hour, with an increase to $30.083 per hour upon obtaining your RN license. Additionally, a $25,000 sign-on bonus is offered once licensure is secured. Mercy's comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan with matching contributions, effective from the first of the month following your start date.
Responsibilities
- Ensure accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, families, and co-workers during hand-offs and other necessary times.
- Complete required training and maintain weekly training documentation.
- Provide safe and effective patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse by performing delegated tasks and support functions.
- Observe and communicate any changes in patient condition to the licensed nurse, along with pertinent information regarding patient needs.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills, including understanding non-verbal cues and addressing fears, anxieties, and language/cultural barriers.
- Maintain accurate and real-time documentation of patient care provided.
- Ensure patient privacy by following protocols such as knocking on doors and closing curtains.
- Respond to emergencies and life-threatening conditions within the scope of practice.
- Support changes in practice designed to improve performance and patient outcomes.
- Organize and prioritize daily work based on the needs of patients, families, and healthcare workers.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of patient rooms and department work areas.
- Assist in identifying quality improvement opportunities and support changes in practice.
Requirements
- Education sufficient to obtain Iowa RN licensure within 10 weeks.
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) as per American Heart Association standards.
- Completion of Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse & Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training prior to start or transfer date.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in a clinical setting during nursing school or internships.
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
Benefits
- $21.0581 per hour as a New Grad Apprentice, increasing to $30.083 per hour upon obtaining RN license.
- $25,000 sign-on bonus after RN licensure is obtained.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Retirement plan (403b) with matching contributions.
