About the role
Location: Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Position Summary Opening Summer 2026 at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL. The Orlando Health System of Care includes award-winning hospitals and ERs, specialty institutes, urgent care centers, primary care practices and outpatient facilities that span Florida’s east to west coasts, Central Alabama and Puerto Rico. Collectively, our dedicated team members honor our over 100-year legacy by providing professional and compassionate care to the patients, families and communities we serve. Join us! Combining the collective strengths of two powerhouse organizations, Orlando Health and the high-quality physicians at Watson Clinic are expanding access to award-winning specialty care for patients in Polk County and beyond. Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital – a state-of-the-art, seven-story, multi-specialty hospital – will serve as a vital 550,000 square-foot healthcare hub offering: 300+ inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation beds 11 operating rooms and four cardiac interventional suites Dedicated labor and delivery services – including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that will debut shortly after the hospital opens Comprehensive cardiovascular, neurology, and oncology services Advanced surgical procedures Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Polk County as part of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital opening team and share in the privilege of saying you were there from the very beginning. Benefits Beyond the Expected Orlando Health is committed to providing you with benefits that go beyond the expected, with career-growing FREE education programs and well-being services to support you and your family through every stage of life. We begin your benefits on day one and offer flexibility wherever possible, so that you can be present for your passions. “Orlando Health Is Your Best Place to Work” is not just something we say, it’s our promise to you. Benefits that begin on Day 1 Four (4) weeks paid parental leave Debt-free degrees through our Preferred Education Program Tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs Back-up childcare and elder care Fertility benefits and adoption assistance NCLEX reimbursement Free NCPDs for RN license Free Kaplan review courses Dedicated RN career counselor and GN Coordinators to develop you Specialty certifications reimbursement And more! Qualifications Education/Training Graduate of an approved school of nursing. Meets all mandatory, developmental, and performance competency requirements for Orlando Health and unit/department. Licensure/Certification Maintains current State of Florida RN license or valid eNLC multistate RN license. Maintains current BLS/Healthcare Provider certification. ACLS, NRP, PALS, TNCC are required for certain areas. NRP required for Neonatal Intensive care Unit (NICU). Experience 1 year of RN experience required; Preferrably in a Cardiac Unit Responsibilities Essential Functions Assesses patient’s needs and develops or revises individualized care plans based on patient needs, responses to treatment, and clinical progress. Continuously evaluates the patient’s progress toward achieving expected outcomes. Promotes cultural competency and builds respectful, collaborative relationships with all team members, patients, and families, acknowledging and respecting diversity. Acts as a patient and family advocate, ensuring that their needs, preferences, and concerns are heard and addressed in the care process. Demonstrates the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide appropriate care for patients in the intermediate care unit, considering the specific needs of the patient population in this care setting. Serves in leadership roles, including as a preceptor, charge nurse, unit educator, and/or nurse clinician, supporting staff development and enhancing patient care delivery. Communicates and collaborates effectively with medical staff and the interdisciplinary care team to develop and implement comprehensive care plans, managing patient care across the unit. Acts as a role model for clinical excellence and professionalism, supporting the hospital’s and nursing department’s goals, values, and strategic priorities. Demonstrates understanding of growth and development principles across the lifespan, assessing and interpreting patient data relative to their age-specific and condition-specific needs. Coordinates and delegates care effectively among team members for a defined patient group, ensuring that care is delivered efficiently and safely. Documents patient care consistently and accurately, in compliance with regulatory standards. This includes assessments, patient education, medication administration, treatments, and ensuring patient safety. Maintains competence in nursing skills and proficient use of patient care equipment specific to the intermediate care unit, in alignment with unit-specific protocols and required competencies. Prioritizes patient care based on critical needs, utilizing evidence-based practices to ensure optimal care delivery. Utilizes problem-solving skills to identify, address, and resolve issues promptly, ensuring patient care is delivered safely and effectively. Other Related Functions The professional nurse contributes to the knowledge and skills of others, and the continuous improvement of the quality of health care practice and organizational outcomes. Participates and may lead unit level and/or organizational level committees of nursing practice and performance improvement. Participates in department and organizational peer review, mentoring, and coaching regarding professional practice or role performance. Practices efficient use of supplies and maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area. Attends staff development in-services, department meetings, and/or nursing committee meetings. Partners with the nursing leadership team to identify professional development needs. Assumes responsibility for one’s own professional development and continuing education. Performs all other duties as assigned.