Lunch Break Nurse - Stepdown (Critical Care)

Company: Mercy
Location: Saint Louis
Posted on: March 27, 2026

Job Description:

Find your calling at Mercy! The Lunch Break Nurse provides dedicated coverage for bedside nurses during scheduled meal breaks, ensuring continuity of care and patient safety. This role assumes temporary responsibility for assigned stepdown patients, responding promptly to patient needs, alarms, and changes in condition. The Lunch Break Nurse performs focused assessments, administers medications as appropriate, and communicates significant findings to the care team. This position plays a critical role in maintaining workflow efficiency, supporting staff well-being, and upholding high standards of patient care during peak daytime hours. Position Details: Lunch Break Nurse - Stepdown Responsibilities: - Provide coverage for bedside nurses during their 30-minute lunch break by temporarily assuming care of their assigned patients - Work weekdays (M-F) from 1100–1500 to ensure consistent lunch coverage for the unit - Carry a zone phone and respond promptly to patient needs, alarms, and changes in condition while primary nurses are on break - Perform focused assessments, administer medications as needed, and communicate significant changes to the care team - Escalate concerns rapidly and appropriately based on patient condition Qualifications: Education: Graduated from a school of nursing (Associate's degree, Diploma, or BSN). Licensure: Is personally responsible for obtaining, and maintaining, a current RN license within the hiring state and/or compact licensure in which nursing duties are performed and must meet all state board of nursing requirements. Experience: Must have prior Critical Care experience Certifications: Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association or successful completion of course within 30 days of hire. One or more of the certifications below may be required based on the position/unit hired to, or acquisition of certification within department required timeframe: - ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course) - TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) - CPHON (Certified Pediatric/Hematology/Oncology Nurses) - OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) - BLS (Basic Life Support) - PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - PEARS (Pediatric Assessment Recognition and Stabilization) - S.T.A.B.L.E. (Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood Pressure, Lab Work, And Emotional Support) Six Assessment & Care Modules - C-EFM (Fetal Monitor Certification) - Other unit-specific certifications as required Why Mercy? From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32 hours per pay period. Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

Keywords: Mercy, Saint Peters , Lunch Break Nurse - Stepdown (Critical Care), Healthcare , Saint Louis, Missouri