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Great River Health

Regional health system operating hospitals, clinics

Registered Nurse - RN, Medical Surgical Unit

Part-Time
$35.79/hr+ $10,000 sign-on bonus
Mid
Bachelor's, Associate's
Fort Madison, IA, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryNursing & Frontline Patient Care

About the job

Requirements
  • An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is required.
  • A bachelor’s degree in nursing or another related field is preferred.
  • Knowledge of the English language, including vocabulary, spelling, composition, and grammar.
  • Knowledge of diagnosing and treating human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive healthcare measures.
  • Knowledge of customer and personal service principles and processes, including customer needs assessment, service quality standards, and customer satisfaction evaluation.
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual differences, learning and motivation, psychological research methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating physical and mental dysfunctions.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematics for calculating medication doses.
  • Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
  • Ability to listen to and understand spoken information.
  • Ability to combine information to form general rules or conclusions.
  • Ability to communicate information clearly in speech.
  • Ability to maintain steady hand and arm positioning during patient care.
  • Ability to arrange actions or information according to specified rules or patterns.
  • Ability to identify and understand another person’s speech.
  • Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association is required within 60 days.
  • Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter certification through the Iowa Department of Human Services is required within 180 days.
  • Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter certification through the Iowa Department of Human Services is required within 180 days.
  • Registered Nurse licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing is required.
  • MOAB certification is required within one year of hire for inpatient units.
  • Basic Dysrhythmia certification is required within six months of hire.
  • ACLS certification is required within one year of hire.
  • Acute-care knowledge in geriatric, adult, medical-surgical, and telemetry nursing, including cardiac rhythm monitoring and interpretation, intravenous medications and non-titrating drips, pre- and post-surgical care, chronic tracheostomy patients on baseline settings, wound vacs, and patient-result reporting.
Responsibilities
  • Deliver patient care using the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation in coordination with other health team members.
  • Perform bedside shift reports at the beginning and end of shifts.
  • Use safety policies and procedures to prevent patient falls.
  • Assist with wound prevention and prevention or treatment of hospital-acquired pressure injuries.
  • Obtain comprehensive admission histories and perform physical assessments.
  • Differentiate normal from abnormal assessment findings and prioritize abnormal findings.
  • Initiate appropriate responses to patient problems and health concerns.
  • Perform ongoing psychosocial, physiological, and educational assessments according to unit policy.
  • Recognize and document subtle changes in patients’ physical and mental status.
  • Integrate diagnostic information into patient assessments and care.
  • Determine patients’ and significant others’ learning and discharge needs.
  • Formulate nursing diagnoses and individualized plans of care, including discharge planning.
  • Modify plans of care based on ongoing assessments and changes in patient status.
  • Anticipate and manage changing situations.
  • Administer prescribed treatments, medications, intravenous fluids, and enteral feedings according to hospital policies and the six rights of medication administration.
  • Recognize and question unsafe, incorrect, or inadequate orders and clarify them with the appropriate provider.
  • Teach patients the information needed to achieve an optimal level of self-care.
  • Evaluate patients’ responses to care and comprehension of education.
  • Document all aspects of the nursing process and patient care clearly, concisely, legibly, and promptly in the medical record using PCS or appropriate hospital forms, correct medical terminology, and accepted abbreviations.
  • Involve patients and significant others in the nursing process and act as a patient advocate while respecting patient rights and confidentiality.
  • Communicate information, delays, and wait times clearly to patients and significant others.
  • Address ethical concerns within applicable guidelines.
  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving when applying the nursing process.
  • Anticipate and respond appropriately to emergency and complex patient-care situations.
  • Use appropriate nursing equipment according to unit and organizational policies and troubleshoot equipment when needed.
  • Assess and monitor patient conditions, documenting and communicating results to physicians as appropriate.
  • Answer patient calls, provide assistance, or determine how assistance should be provided.
  • Assemble equipment, perform procedures and treatments, and assist medical staff with patient procedures.
  • Provide basic patient care, including wound dressing, pressure-ulcer prevention and treatment, and catheterization.
  • Prepare patients for examinations, tests, and treatments and explain procedures.
  • Collect blood, urine, and sputum samples; perform routine laboratory tests such as blood-glucose monitoring; and send appropriately labeled specimens to the laboratory.
  • Monitor medication use and results and promote responsible use of medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
  • Assist patients with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking.
  • Measure and record vital signs, including height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, and pain.
  • Provide education to patients and families and assess resources to plan and coordinate care.
  • Work with the healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care, and implement interventions.
  • Participate in treatment-team conferences concerning diagnoses or treatment of difficult cases.
  • Participate in performance-improvement, quality-assurance, quality-monitoring, and improvement activities.
  • Delegate aspects of care to certified nursing assistants, patient service associates, and licensed practical nurses, and oversee completion of delegated functions.
  • Mentor new employees and students.
  • Follow safety and evidence-based practices, including infection-control procedures and use of lifts, gait belts, eye shields, and gloves.
  • Prioritize assignments based on patient-care needs and coordinate and oversee nursing care.
  • Monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms and report patient results.
  • Work with providers and families to keep them updated on patient status.

About the company

Great River Health operates a regional health care system serving southeast Iowa, parts of Illinois and Missouri, with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, medical equipment, and rehabilitation services. It delivers coordinated care through hospitals and clinics, offering primary, specialty, urgent, and convenient care, plus therapy and home health within the same system. It combines hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and supplies across a large geographic area to enable smooth patient transitions and a consistent care experience under one umbrella. Its goal is to provide high-quality, accessible health care close to home.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

West Burlington, Iowa

Founded

1895

Get referred to Great River Health

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Alexander’s permanent CEO appointment on September 14, 2026, reduces interim leadership uncertainty.
  • The new West Burlington mental health therapy clinic opened June 8, 2026, expanding access and referrals.
  • The October 8, 2026 career-exploration event supports recruiting for nursing, radiology, and respiratory therapy.

What critics are saying

  • Great River Health ends Fort Madison inpatient labor and delivery by December 31, 2026, shrinking community trust.
  • McCoy resigned July 23, 2026, and leadership continuity now depends on Alexander’s dual CEO-CFO load.
  • Epic’s $35 million rollout temporarily pressures cash, execution, and charge-capture timelines through 2027.

What makes Great River Health unique

  • Great River Health runs southeast Iowa’s integrated hospital-clinic network across Burlington, Fort Madison, and Mount Pleasant.
  • Jeremy Alexander led Epic transition planning, signaling operational discipline and tighter revenue-cycle control.
  • The June 2026 MyChart launch improves patient retention, scheduling, and cross-system record access.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off

Education Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Discounted cafeteria meals

Paid Parental Leave

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Critical Illness

Accident

Hospital Indemnity

Employee Discounts

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

10%

1 year growth

10%

2 year growth

10%
KILJ
Sep 14th, 2026
Jeremy Alexander named permanent President and CEO Great River Health.

Jeremy Alexander named permanent President and CEO Great River Health. By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 1:27 pm CDT Great River Health has named Jeremy Alexander as its new permanent President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Alexander has served as interim CEO since July 23, when Dr. Michael McCoy resigned from the position for personal reasons. Alexander has also continued serving as the health system's Chief Financial Officer during that time. Alexander has been a member of the Great River Health executive team since 2018 and has played a role in several major changes across the health system. Those include the merger with Fort Madison Community Hospital, the unification of the hospitals under Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, and the long-term lease agreement that brought Henry County Health Center into the Great River Health system. Alexander has also served as executive sponsor of the health system's Epic implementation project. Great River Health Board Chairperson John McKillip said the board conducted a comprehensive review of internal candidates before selecting Alexander. McKillip said the board is looking to Alexander to build on the health system's past successes while identifying opportunities for growth and long-term financial stability. Alexander was born and raised in southeast Iowa and said being selected as CEO is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to protect not only the health of area residents, but the communities Great River Health serves. Alexander takes over the President and CEO position effective immediately.

Great River Health
Aug 31st, 2026
Great River Health holds Career Exploration Event.

Great River Health holds Career Exploration Event. Monday, August 31, 2026 Great River Health will host its 3rd Annual Career Exploration Event on Thursday, October 8, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event held in the Mercy Plaza Lobby at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington. The event is designed to introduce students and community members to the wide variety of career opportunities available in healthcare. "The Career Exploration Event is a unique opportunity for students, job seekers, and community members to explore the many rewarding career paths available in healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with professionals from a variety of departments, including Radiology, Nursing, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, and many others. Participants can also learn about educational pathways through our event partner, Southeastern Community College, and gain firsthand insight into what it's like to work in a healthcare environment," explained Nicole Panther-Rump, Great River Health Manager - Talent Management. "Whether someone is interested in direct patient care or non-clinical career opportunities, this event provides valuable exposure to the diverse roles that contribute to the health and well-being of our communities. We are excited to inspire future healthcare professionals, showcase the scope of opportunities within healthcare, and connect individuals with meaningful and fulfilling career possibilities." Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Great River Health departments, ask questions, explore career paths, and connect with educational resources. Representatives from Southeastern Community College and IowaWORKS will also be present with information tables located near the Human Resources booth.

Great River Health
Aug 31st, 2026
Great River Health offers new four-week nutrition education series.

Great River Health offers new four-week nutrition education series. Monday, August 31, 2026 Great River Health is launching Nutrition 101: A Dietitian's 4-Week Essentials Course, a new program designed to help participants build healthy eating habits, better understand nutrition, and gain confidence in making everyday food choices. The four-week series will be held Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. September 29 through October 20 in the Falcon Room at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington. Classes will be led by a registered dietitian and combine practical nutrition education with real-world strategies for healthy living. A registered dietitian will teach participants how to create balanced meals, understand calories and protein needs, read nutrition labels, navigate dining out, manage common nutrition challenges, and develop sustainable habits that support long-term wellness. The course concludes with a hands-on cooking experience featuring meal preparation techniques and healthy recipe ideas. This course provides realistic, evidence-based guidance that participants can apply immediately, regardless of where they are in their health journey. Topics include: * Nutrition foundations and simple meal planning. * Understanding your nutrition needs. * Real-life nutrition challenges. * Practical cooking and meal assembly. The program is open to community members. Cost is $150 for non-members and $100 for Fitness Center members. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.

KILJ
Jun 9th, 2026
New Mental Health Therapy Clinic opens in West Burlington.

New Mental Health Therapy Clinic opens in West Burlington. By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 9:11 am CDT Residents seeking mental health services in southeast Iowa now have a new dedicated location for therapy and counseling care. Great River Health has announced the opening of the Great River Mental Health Therapy Clinic at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. The clinic officially opened Monday, June 8, and serves as the new home for mental health therapists who previously saw patients through the Mental Health Clinic at the West Burlington campus. The clinic is staffed by a team of licensed mental health professionals. Providers offer a variety of services aimed at helping patients better understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors, while also assisting with the assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions. Hospital representatives say the creation of the new clinic provides a dedicated space specifically designed for therapy services and patient care. The clinic is located in Suite 309 of Eastman Plaza on the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center campus in West Burlington. Great River Health noted that the new facility is not considered a hospital-based outpatient clinic. Patients can schedule appointments or obtain additional information by calling 319-768-1370.

KILJ
Jun 8th, 2026
Great River Health launches new MyChart patient portal.

Great River Health launches new MyChart patient portal. By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 6:21 am CDT Great River Health has launched a new online patient portal designed to give patients easier access to their healthcare information and services. The health system announced Saturday that patients can now enroll in MyChart, a secure online platform that provides 24-hour access to medical records, test results, appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and direct communication with healthcare providers. Dr. Michael McCoy, President and CEO of Great River Health, says the portal is an important step in helping patients become more informed and engaged in their care. He says greater access to health information supports the organization's goal of delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. MyChart also allows patients to pay bills online, review account statements, manage care for family members through proxy access, and connect records from other healthcare systems in one centralized location. According to Great River Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Ryon, improved communication between patients and providers can lead to better understanding, stronger relationships, and improved health outcomes. The MyChart platform is available through both a website and mobile app, allowing patients to access their healthcare information from virtually anywhere. Patients can sign up online or receive assistance enrolling during their next visit. Additional information, tutorials, and enrollment resources are available through Great River Health's MyChart webpage. Great River Health serves communities throughout southeast Iowa and emphasizes a patient-centered approach to healthcare through its network of providers and services.