⭐ Launch Your Nursing Career with Confidence

Mercy Hospital South’s Med/Surg Career Path – RN Pathway to Specialty Practice is designed for both new graduate nurses and experienced RNs who want a strong foundation before transitioning into a specialty area. This program offers hands-on learning, structured support, and clear career progression.

Where You’ll Start – Med/Surg Service Line Units

Below is an overview of our Med/Surg and Medical Telemetry units that participate in the Career Path Program. Each unit provides a unique clinical experience to help build your skill set and confidence.

Inpatient Med Surg

Care for a broad mix of adult patients with diagnoses such as small bowel obstructions, respiratory infections, cellulitis, diverticulitis, and pneumonia.

Neurology – 8E

Supports patients experiencing strokes, seizures, brain tumors, and brain bleeds. Excellent environment for developing strong neuro assessment skills.

Orthopedics

Specializes in elective knee and hip replacements, spine procedures (neck and back), and foot/ankle surgeries. Strong focus on mobility, pain management, and postoperative care.

Med Surg – 5E

Typical diagnoses include small bowel obstructions, respiratory infections, cellulitis, diverticulitis, and pneumonia.

Med Surg – 5W

Clinical profile similar to 5E, with common diagnoses such as bowel obstructions, respiratory illnesses, and cellulitis.

General Surgery – 3W

Cares for surgical patients ranging from simple appendectomies to complex colon resections with colostomy placement. This unit also specializes in bariatric surgery.

Medical Telemetry – 7E & 7W

Care for patients with cellulitis, pneumonia, UTIs, chest pain, GI issues, COPD exacerbations, and medically stable COVID. Continuous telemetry monitoring helps refine cardiac and rhythm‑interpretation skills.

Oncology – 8W

Serves patients undergoing chemotherapy, cancer treatment, end‑of‑life care, and general medical patients. Also supports neuro‑medical overflow as needed.

After building a strong Med/Surg foundation, you may transition into a specialty unit aligned with your long‑term career goals:

• Labor & Delivery
• Surgical ICU
• Neuro Stepdown
• Surgical Stepdown
• Med Surg Stepdown
• Cardiac Telemetry
• Cardiac Medical ICU (CMICU)
• Cardiovascular Progressive Care Unit (CPCU)
• Emergency Department
• Behavioral Health
• Float Pool

Why Choose Mercy South?

Mercy South is where nurses build meaningful careers in a supportive, mission‑driven environment.

Compensation & Incentives

• Up to $10,000 NO CONTRACT Sign‑On Incentive for experienced RNs
• Up to $2,000 NO CONTRACT Sign‑On Incentive for LPNs

Benefits Starting Day One

• Medical, dental & vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Shift differentials for days, nights, and weekends
• PTO begins accruing immediately — including a paid volunteer day
• Stay Pay Program: Earn up to $8/hr added at milestone anniversaries

Education & Professional Development

• LPN → RN Bridge Program
• RN → BSN Support (up to $16,000)
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 annually
• Mentorship, precepting, and continuing education support

Qualifications

• Education: Nursing degree from an accredited program
• License: Active RN license (Missouri or compact)
• Certifications: BLS (American Heart Association)