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Associate Rn Jobs in Santa Fe, NM (NOW HIRING)

Associate's Degree in Nursing * Active and unencumbered RN License * Basic Life Support (BLS) certification * 1+ years of experience working in a PACU setting Compensation. $65,000 - $75,000 per year

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Associate Rn information

See Santa Fe, NM salary details

$22.1K

$56.5K

$82K

How much do associate rn jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate rn in Santa Fe, NM is $56,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,800.00 and $72,100.00 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 Santa Fe, NM? The most popular types of Rn jobs in Santa Fe, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Rn jobs in Santa Fe, NM? For Associate Rn jobs in Santa Fe, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Rn jobs in Santa Fe, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Rn jobs in Santa Fe, NM are:
What cities near Santa Fe, NM are hiring for Associate Rn jobs? Cities near Santa Fe, NM with the most Associate Rn job openings:
Registered Nurse (RN), Medical-Surgical

Registered Nurse (RN), Medical-Surgical

Lifepoint Health

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$31 - $44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


LifePoint Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 265 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

746th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your experience matters  

Los Alamos Medical Center is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse (RN), Medical-Surgical joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve. 

How you'll contribute  

Registered Nurse (RN), Medical-Surgical who excels in this role: 

  • Provides direct patient care using the nursing process within established scope and standards, including medication administration, treatments, and daily living assistance. 

  • Monitors and communicates patient conditions, responds to status changes, and prioritizes care based on urgency. 

  • Collaborates across disciplines to coordinate care, transfers, and discharges, while addressing psychosocial and spiritual needs. 

  • Educates patients and families based on individual needs and acts as an advocate for the patient's physical and emotional well-being.

What we're looking for is a Registered Nurse (RN), Medical-Surgical who is responsible for supporting the needs of the department with a focus on clinical, operational, and administrative excellence with these qualifications:

Applicants should have a current state RN license and possess an associate's degree from an accredited nursing school. Additional requirements include:

  • BLS

  • ACLS and PALS are required within six months of hire. 

  • One year of experience preferred

Schedule: 3x12/4x10/5x8 + Days (7a-7p)/ Nights(7p-7a) + rotating weekends/every 3rd weekend/every weekend + on call, holidays, etc. (i.e. 3x12, Nights (7p-7a), rotating weekends)  Flexibility in scheduling may be required.

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:   

Fundamental to providing great care is supporting and rewarding our team. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:  

  • Up to $30,000 sign-on bonus

  • Relocation assistance

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus flexible-spending and health- savings accounts  

  • Competitive paid time off and extended illness bank package for full-time employees 

  • Income-protection programs, such as life, accident, critical-injury insurance, short- and long-term disability, and identity theft coverage 

  • Tuition reimbursement, loan assistance, and 401(k) matching  

  • Employee assistance program including mental, physical, and financial wellness 

  • Professional development and growth opportunities

Connect with a Recruiter 
Not ready to complete an application, or have questions? Please contact Lisa Lambert by emailing Lisa.Lambert@lifepointhealth.net.

More about Los Alamos Medical Center 

Los Alamos Medical Center is the only hospital in Los Alamos County and is a major healthcare provider for Northern New Mexico. Our 47-bed acute care facility has been providing quality and compassionate emergency care, surgical care, inpatient and outpatient services to the communities of Northern New Mexico for over 70 years. Our highly trained Medical Staff and over 300 healthcare employees deliver a level of medical technology and technique that is not commonly found in "small community hospitals".

The hospital provides medical, surgical, obstetrical, emergency, and diagnostic services. Los Alamos Medical Center's Clinical Laboratory and Radiology Departments offer a broad spectrum of care facilitated by state-of-the-art equipment. Lifepoint's Northern New Mexico Clinic Services division includes employed providers (physicians and nurse practitioners): hospitalist, family practice, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and oncology specialists. Los Alamos Medical Center's Care Coordination Department ensures a seamless transition throughout the area health care delivery system via discharge planning and community care coordination partnering with other providers. 
In all, Los Alamos Medical Center employs approximately 300 Northern New Mexicans in its Los Alamos and Espanola locations. As a major employer, as well as healthcare provider, Los Alamos Medical Center takes pride in its contributions to the communities of our region.

EEOC Statement 

"Los Alamos Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Los Alamos Medical Center is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment." 


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About LifePoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lifepoint Health serves patients, clinicians, communities and partners across the healthcare continuum. Our diversified healthcare delivery network extends from coast to coast, consisting of community hospitals, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and additional sites of care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1999

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