New Grad RN Inpatient - Neurology

PeaceHealth Southwest is seeking a New Grad RN for the Neurology unit as part of our upcoming Nurse Residency Program at Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. This 0.9 FTE night position is designed to foster technical expertise, compassionate care, and professional growth for new graduate nurses through a 12-month transition-to-practice program. The program offers an interactive, evidence-based curriculum that builds clinical skills, leadership, and confidence in the professional nurse role, aligned with PeaceHealth’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

About the Role

This position is part of the Nurse Residency Program, which includes rotations in various units: Medical, Surgical, Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, and ICU step down. The role focuses on providing professional nursing care in compliance with unit standards and promoting a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to patient and family care.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care needs.
• Document patient care in the healthcare record according to established standards.
• Direct and delegate care to other team members based on their education, credentials, and demonstrated competence.
• Ensure professional effectiveness through ongoing education and professional development.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of hospital policies, procedures, quality improvement, safety, and infection prevention programs.
• Perform specialized duties for Neurology and PCU units, including:
  • Nursing care of stroke patients with cardiac co-morbidity or those requiring frequent monitoring.
  • Care of patients post Carotid Artery Stenting and coiling of non-ruptured aneurysms.
  • Performance of NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and nursing bedside swallow screen.
  • Stroke patient education utilizing health literacy principles.
  • Familiarity with stroke guideline-driven discharge medications.
  • Nursing care of ischemic, TIAs, and non-traumatic hemorrhagic strokes.

Requirements

• Recent RN graduate (within 12 months) or an RN licensed less than 12 months with less than 6 months of Acute Care experience.
• Active Washington RN license by date of hire.
• American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification by date of hire.
• Able to participate in all program activities throughout the 12-month residency period.
• Ability to work a minimum of 36 hours/week, variable shifts and shift lengths, and rotate per union standards.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
• Knowledge of stroke guideline-driven stroke discharge medications is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to apply age-specific principles of growth and development and life stages to meet patient needs.
• Ability to promote positive interpersonal relationships and a patient/family-centered work environment.
• Basic computer skills.

Skills

• Patient handling (no greater than 35 lbs. without assistive equipment/devices).
• Fine motor skills for grasping and controlling medical equipment and performing precise procedures.
• Ability to push/pull up to 45 lbs. force (e.g., WOW, medical carts).
• Perform hands-on CPR for at least 20 minutes using 100-125 lbs. of force.
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, and ability to move around the area.
• Lifting (non-patient) up to 20 lbs. occasionally and 5 lbs. frequently.
• Ability to work in a noisy environment with exposure to biohazards, body fluids, and airborne particles.
• Vision and hearing within normal limits (glasses, contacts, hearing aids permitted).
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Competitive wages per the WSNA Union Contract.
• Additional pay for BSN, MSN, DPN, and advanced certifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement plan (403b) with employer base and matching contributions.
  • Paid time off (PTO) with no waiting period.
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance with additional buy-up options.
  • Tuition and continuing education reimbursement.
  • Wellness benefits and expanded EAP/mental health program.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $52.22 – $77.59 per hour. The hiring rate depends on education, training, work experience, terms of the collective bargaining agreement, and seniority.

Location

Vancouver, Washington, is a vibrant city of over 160,000 residents and the largest suburb of Portland, Oregon. It offers quick access to outdoor activities, including the Pacific Ocean, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and world-class recreational opportunities. The area features a thriving arts, theater, and music scene, excellent school districts, and no Washington State income tax.

This position is union-represented, and multiple openings are available. Start dates are determined by factors such as NCLEX results, licensing, relocation, and department needs.