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Associate Rn Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse Resource/Float Inpatient Allen Hospital, Waterloo, IA Full-time Hours, Day (7am ... Associates Degree in Nursing. * Current license in the state of Iowa or meets criteria established ...

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Associate Rn information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$22.2K

$56.8K

$82.3K

How much do associate rn jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate rn in Waterloo, IA is $56,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate RNs when transitioning from school to a clinical setting?

Associate RNs often encounter challenges such as managing a fast-paced workload, adapting to shift work, and handling high patient acuity during their transition from academic to clinical environments. Building confidence in clinical decision-making and prioritizing patient care tasks while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams are key hurdles. Many new RNs find that seeking mentorship, utilizing orientation programs, and actively communicating with experienced nurses can greatly ease this transition and promote professional growth.

Can you do anything with an associate's in nursing?

An associate's in nursing prepares individuals to become registered nurses (RNs), allowing them to provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. It also provides a foundation for advanced education or specialization in nursing fields. RNs with this degree typically need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to practice legally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate RN, you need a solid grounding in clinical nursing practices, patient care, and a current registered nursing license, typically earned through an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), basic medical equipment, and hospital protocols is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and empathy are vital soft skills to provide effective patient support and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care, which is critical to patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

What is an RN associate?

An RN associate typically refers to a registered nurse who has completed an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and is licensed to provide patient care. They work in various healthcare settings, performing tasks such as administering medications, monitoring patient conditions, and collaborating with healthcare teams. Certification and licensing are required to practice as an RN associate.

Can I do anything with an associate's in nursing?

An associate's degree in nursing qualifies individuals to become registered nurses (RNs), allowing them to provide patient care, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams. RNs can work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, often requiring passing the NCLEX-RN exam and obtaining licensure. Additional certifications may expand job opportunities and responsibilities within the nursing field.

How to make $200,000 a year as a nurse?

To earn $200,000 annually as an associate registered nurse, professionals often pursue specialized certifications, gain extensive experience, and work in high-paying settings such as travel nursing, critical care, or nurse anesthetist roles. Working overtime, taking on leadership positions, or relocating to areas with higher pay can also increase earnings, but reaching this level typically requires advanced skills and additional qualifications beyond standard RN licensure.

What can I do with a nurse associate degree?

An Associate RN degree qualifies individuals to work as registered nurses in various healthcare settings, providing patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with medical teams. It also serves as a foundation for further education or specialization in nursing. Certification and licensing are required to practice as an RN.

What are Associate RNs?

Associate RNs are registered nurses who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), typically through a two-year college program. They are fully licensed to practice as registered nurses after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Associate RNs perform many of the same duties as nurses with a bachelor's degree, including patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams. While some employers may prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate RNs are qualified for a wide range of nursing positions, especially in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

What is the difference between Associate Rn vs Licensed Practical Nurse?

AspectAssociate RnLicensed Practical Nurse
Required CredentialsAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN), RN licensePractical Nursing diploma or certificate, LPN license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care, outpatient facilitiesLong-term care, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAssessments, care planning, administering medications, patient educationBasic patient care, vital signs, medication administration under supervision

The main difference between an Associate Rn and a Licensed Practical Nurse is the level of education and scope of practice. RNs typically hold an associate degree and have a broader scope of responsibilities, including care planning and assessments. LPNs have a practical nursing diploma and focus on basic patient care under supervision. Both roles are vital in healthcare settings, but RNs generally have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Rn jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Rn jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Associate Rn jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Associate Rn jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Associate Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Rn job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,801 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Registered Nurse- Float

Registered Nurse- Float

UnityPoint Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$7.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 hours ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 880 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Registered Nurse

Resource/Float Inpatient

Allen Hospital, Waterloo, IA

Full-time Hours, Day (7am-7pm) and Night (7pm-7am) shift options with every 3rd weekend and holiday rotation.

$10,000 Sign-On Bonus 

Additional 12% pay differential for resource

Shift Differentials: 

$5.00/hour from 3p-11p, $7.50/hour from 11p-7a, additional $7.50/hour on weekends

A highly respected group of RNs who float to various departments and units. Scheduled part-time and full-time to augment coverage for high census, absences and leaves. The units floated to include our four med/ surg units (3 Medical, 4 Medical, 4 Surgical and 3 Heart), Behavioral Health, ICU, Emergency Department and rehab specialty units. You may work on more than one unit in a scheduled shift and must be able to provide ideal patient care to any area you float to. Applicants must be assertive, have a positive attitude and value team work. After initial orientation, you will take a telemetry/dysrhythmia class and ACLS training. New graduates are considered and will attend RN Residency. Quarterly education and competency is provided.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Assesses the needs of patients and families, providing appropriate teaching and making the necessary referrals to provide continuity of care.
  • Develops an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team. Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient’s care.
  • Delivers high quality care utilizing the nursing process while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required on assigned unit in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care. Utilizes holistic approach (considering biopsychosocial, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients and families served in the assigned service area.
  • Delegates and provides direction for other healthcare providers and hold them accountable for their involvement in the plan of care.
  • Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments, and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
  • Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance nursing practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.
  • Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient’s and their families’ age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension.
  • Consults appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education.
  • Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

  • Associates Degree in Nursing.
  • Current license in the state of Iowa or meets criteria established by Iowa Board of Nursing. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
  • Multicultural sensitivity, customer/patient focused.
  • Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
  • Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995