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Entry Level Rn Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

RN HOSPITAL, JBH ICU- Nights

Rockford, IL · On-site

$34.45 - $51.68/hr

Performs basic and focused nursing assessments and reports findings to the supervising RN and ... This is common for entry-level positions where employees are learning. PAY RANGE: $34.45 - $51.68 ...

RN School Nurse

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$35K - $55K/yr

Must have IL R.N. License Staff Hours 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, following a school ... services in entry-level positions. Professional Associations and/or Partnerships The Menta ...

Entry Level Rn information

What are Entry Level RNs?

Entry Level Registered Nurses (RNs) are newly licensed nurses who have recently graduated from an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. They typically have less than one year of professional nursing experience and work under the supervision of more experienced nurses and healthcare professionals. Entry Level RNs provide direct patient care, administer medications, and assist with medical procedures while gaining practical experience and developing their clinical skills. These positions are designed to help new nurses transition into the workforce and build a foundation for a successful nursing career.

What does a 2 year RN make?

A registered nurse with two years of experience typically earns between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on location, healthcare facility, and specialization. Salary can increase with additional certifications, skills, and responsibilities in the role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level registered nurses during their first year, and how can they navigate them?

Entry-level registered nurses often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively during busy shifts, adapting to the fast-paced clinical environment, and building confidence in clinical decision-making. To navigate these challenges, new nurses can seek support from experienced colleagues, participate in hospital orientation or residency programs, and stay proactive in asking questions and seeking feedback. Developing strong communication and organizational skills early on can also help ease the transition and foster professional growth.

Can I go straight to an RN with no experience?

Becoming an entry-level RN typically requires completing an accredited nursing program and obtaining a license through the NCLEX-RN exam. Prior experience is not mandatory, but clinical rotations and relevant skills can improve job prospects; most employers hire new graduates who have met licensing requirements.

What Does an Entry-Level RN Do?

An entry-level RN cares for patients in a variety of settings, mostly clinical. Your responsibilities may include assessment of patient conditions, creation and execution of patient-specific care plans, consultation with physicians and specialists, and communicating with patients and their families regarding treatment options and medication. With certification as an RN, entry-level nurses develop patient care skills while carrying out regular duties such as placing IVs, administering treatments and medications, documenting patient information, and other clinical tasks. As an entry-level RN, you can work in a variety of settings under the guidance of a doctor while gaining experience to help advance your career.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level RN, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and a solid understanding of clinical procedures and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, basic medical equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and empathy help new nurses build relationships with patients and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills are vital for ensuring patient safety, delivering quality care, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of healthcare environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Rn vs Licensed Practical Nurse?

AspectEntry Level RnLicensed Practical Nurse
CredentialsAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN licenseDiploma or Certificate in Practical Nursing, LPN license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, outpatient settingsLong-term care, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals (supervised roles)
Job ResponsibilitiesAssessments, care planning, administering medications, patient educationBasic patient care, vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living

Entry Level Rns and Licensed Practical Nurses both provide essential patient care but differ mainly in education, scope of practice, and responsibilities. Rns typically have more advanced training and can perform more complex tasks, while Lpns focus on basic care under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

How to make $300,000 a year as a nurse?

Entry level registered nurses typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually achieved through advanced roles like nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, or nurse executives, often requiring additional certifications, specialized skills, and experience. Working in high-demand settings, taking on overtime, or pursuing advanced degrees can increase earning potential over time.

What is considered the easiest RN job?

The easiest RN job often involves working in outpatient clinics, telehealth, or school nursing, where patient acuity is generally lower and shifts are predictable. These roles typically require less physical demand and fewer emergency situations, making them suitable for new graduates or those seeking a less stressful environment. However, ease can vary based on individual skills and preferences.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in DeKalb, IL? The most popular types of Rn jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Rn jobs in DeKalb, IL? For Entry Level Rn jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Rn jobs in DeKalb, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Rn jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Entry Level Rn jobs? Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Entry Level Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Rn job openings in DeKalb, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 24% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
RN HOSPITAL, JBH ICU- Nights

RN HOSPITAL, JBH ICU- Nights

Mercyhealth

Rockford, IL • On-site

$34.45 - $51.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Mercy Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 383 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides patient care using the nursing process (assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation) under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse.
  • Performs basic and focused nursing assessments and reports findings to the supervising RN and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Assists with the implementation of patient care plans in collaboration with the supervising RN and the healthcare team.
  • Administers prescribed medications and treatments only as permitted by Illinois scope of practice for License Pending RNs and under the direction of a licensed RN or physician.
  • Documents all patient care activities accurately and comprehensively in accordance with established policies, under the review of the supervising RN.
  • Participates in developing individualized patient care plans by providing input and supporting physician orders and hospital policies.
  • Supports patient and family education efforts by reinforcing instructions provided by licensed RNs and providers, ensuring communication is at an appropriate level of understanding.
  • Participates in unit-based and organizational quality improvement activities as assigned, including shared governance initiatives.
  • Utilizes critical thinking to recognize changes in patient status, communicates promptly to the supervising RN, and assists with implementing interventions as directed.
  • Escalates concerns regarding patient safety, clinical changes, or workflow barriers to the supervising RN or appropriate chain of command.
  • Actively engages in personal and professional development, including orientation, skills validation, and ongoing learning opportunities.
  • Supports the professional nursing environment by participating in team collaboration and peer feedback activities.
  • In clinic and ambulatory settings, assists with patient flow, responds to phone calls, and supports telephone triage under RN supervision, escalating clinical concerns as appropriate.
  • Other duties as assigned based on department need

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Preferred:
  • Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE
Minimum Required:
  • Eligible for Illinois RN licensure with License Pending RN status; must obtain active RN license within the timeframe allowed by the Illinois Nurse Practice Act
  • Approved CPR/BLS certification required within 3 months of hire
  • Other certification(s) per unit requirements. For example: ACLS, PALS, PEARS, and NRP

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Successfully pass a background check in accordance with applicable state and federal requirement.
Maintain all required certifications and licenses in an active and valid status throughout employment.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Core Competencies
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and environments.
  • Customer service orientation and cultural sensitivity.

INFORMATION ACCESS: Partners may access patient care information, financial data, human resources data, and strategic planning information as necessary to perform their job duties, in accordance with directions from their leader and applicable privacy and security policies.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY: This role may involve access to confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information, including protected health information related to patients, employees, and business operations. The employee is required to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all applicable privacy, data protection, and information security policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
LEVEL OF SUPERVISION
Close Supervision: The supervisor provides very specific instructions for tasks and closely monitors progress. This is common for entry-level positions where employees are learning.
PAY RANGE:
$34.45 - $51.68
Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • FSA/HSA Options
  • Generous, accruing paid time off
  • Paid Parental and caregiver leave
  • Career advancement and educational opportunities
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Certification Reimbursement
  • Well-being Programs
  • Employee Discounts
  • On-Demand Pay
  • Financial Education
  • Annual recognition/awards events
  • Partner appreciation days
  • Family entertainment/attractions discount
  • Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.
At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:
  • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50
  • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers
  • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

What Mercy Health employees say

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About Mercyhealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people – instead, we empower talented, dedicated health care professionals to provide the highest quality patient care possible with a passion for making lives better. As an integrated health care provider, we provide exceptional, coordinated health care. The organization consists of seven hospitals, 85+ clinics, and more than 7,500 employee-partners to serve patients in 15 counties throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We hope you’ll consider becoming the newest member of the Mercyhealth family and join our passion for making lives better!

Industry

Hospitals, fitness and sports centers and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Janesville, WI, US