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Associate Rn Jobs in Wilmington, NC (NOW HIRING)

Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred. * Current valid North Carolina nursing license ... If your RN nursing license has been inactive, retired or lapsed for five years or more and you have ...

Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred. * Current valid North Carolina nursing license ... If your RN nursing license has been inactive, retired or lapsed for five years or more and you have ...

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Associate Rn information

See Wilmington, NC salary details

$21K

$53.7K

$77.8K

How much do associate rn jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate rn in Wilmington, NC is $53,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $68,500.00 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 Wilmington, NC? The most popular types of Rn jobs in Wilmington, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Rn jobs in Wilmington, NC? For Associate Rn jobs in Wilmington, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Rn jobs in Wilmington, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Rn jobs in Wilmington, NC are:
What cities near Wilmington, NC are hiring for Associate Rn jobs? Cities near Wilmington, NC with the most Associate Rn job openings:
Registered Nurse ,RN- Surgical I

Registered Nurse ,RN- Surgical I

Novant Health

Wilmington, NC • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Novant Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 456 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Registered Nurse Surgical I– Post-op/Stepdown

Take your nursing career to the next level with Novant Health! As a registered nurse in Wilmington, NC! Are you a dedicated RN ready to make a meaningful impact in surgical care? Join our Surgical I– Post-op/Stepdown team at Novant Health NHRMC, where we care for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries and traumatic injuries.

Schedule: Part-time (Saturday and Sunday)

Why Nurses Choose This Role?

  • Benefits starting day one
  • 401(k) with matching contributions.
  • Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Employee assistance programs and discounts.
  • Flexible schedules

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide specialized post-operative care to patients recovering from emergency general and trauma surgeries, as well as step-down level patients.
  • Manage the care of patients with external fixators and multi-system injuries.
  • Apply expertise unique to a post-operative unit, distinct from standard Medical-Surgical nursing.
  • Utilize advanced knowledge and skills specific to post-operative patient management.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required.
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred.
  • Current valid North Carolina nursing license or Multi-State/Compact required.
  • One-year relevant experience, preferred.

Be part of a remarkable team.

Embark on a rewarding career where your contributions make a difference every day.

Apply today!

Job Opening ID 454


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About Novant Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated system of 16 medical centers and more than 1,900 physicians in over 800 locations, as well as numerous outpatient surgery centers, medical plazas, rehabilitation programs, diagnostic imaging centers and community health outreach programs. Novant Health's more than 36,000 team members and physician partners care for patients and communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Winston-Salem, NC, US

Year founded

1997