Per Diem RN - Critical Care Float

About the Role

Per Diem Registered Nurses must work a minimum of twenty‑four (24) hours per six (6)‑week scheduling period in direct patient care. One shift should be an evening, night, weekend or holiday. The primary work location is University Hospital in Madison, WI, with occasional travel to UW Health East Madison Hospital. This position is part of the Critical Care Float team, providing care across multiple intensive care and intermediate care units.

Responsibilities

• Float across multiple departments and specialties, caring for highly complex, critically ill patients in ICUs such as the Trauma Life Center, Burn ICU, Neurosciences ICU, Cardiovascular ICU, and intermediate care (IMC) units as needed.
• Provide high‑quality, evidence‑based care, utilizing critical thinking to evaluate and assess patients, recognize and escalate complications, and safely administer nursing interventions and advanced life‑support therapies.
• Demonstrate a commitment to patient‑ and family‑centered nursing care.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams—including nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, advanced practice providers, and medical teams—communicating effectively and delegating tasks as necessary.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, orienting new float nurses and nursing students, and participating in strategic planning, quality improvement, and Shared Governance initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) – preferred.
• Six (6) months nursing experience or current participation in UW Health’s Nurse Residency Program with successful completion of the Nurse Residency Orientation on unit/similar unit – preferred.
• 1–2 years ICU experience at a Level 1 Trauma Center – required (highly preferred).
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Wisconsin or in a jurisdiction that has adopted the nurse licensure compact.
• Current CPR/BLS certification – required upon hire.
• ACLS certification within 6 months of hire – required.
• Relevant critical‑care certification – preferred.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule options and shift variety to support work‑life balance.
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Paid time off and retirement plans.
• Two‑week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Full‑time benefits eligibility for part‑time positions at 60 % FTE or higher.
• Access to the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department for emotional, financial, and physical support.
• Acuity‑based staffing ratios for optimal safety.
• Strong shared‑governance structure giving every nurse a voice.
• Recognition programs celebrating nursing excellence.
• Tuition‑benefit eligibility for career‑advancement coursework.
• Referral bonus for successful candidate referrals.

Schedule

• Minimum of 24 hours of work per six‑week scheduling period.
• At least one shift must be an evening, night, weekend, or holiday shift.
• Primary location: University Hospital, Madison, WI; occasional travel to UW Health East Madison Hospital.
• Various shift patterns available to accommodate personal needs.