2

Entry Level Rn Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Rn information

What are Entry Level RNs?

Entry Level Registered Nurses (RNs) are newly licensed nurses who have recently graduated from an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. They typically have less than one year of professional nursing experience and work under the supervision of more experienced nurses and healthcare professionals. Entry Level RNs provide direct patient care, administer medications, and assist with medical procedures while gaining practical experience and developing their clinical skills. These positions are designed to help new nurses transition into the workforce and build a foundation for a successful nursing career.

How to make 200,000 a year as a nurse?

Entry-level registered nurses typically do not earn $200,000 annually; higher earnings are achieved through advanced roles such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, or nurse managers, which require additional certifications and experience. Specializing in high-demand areas, working overtime, or taking on leadership positions can increase earning potential over time.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level registered nurses during their first year, and how can they navigate them?

Entry-level registered nurses often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively during busy shifts, adapting to the fast-paced clinical environment, and building confidence in clinical decision-making. To navigate these challenges, new nurses can seek support from experienced colleagues, participate in hospital orientation or residency programs, and stay proactive in asking questions and seeking feedback. Developing strong communication and organizational skills early on can also help ease the transition and foster professional growth.

Can I go straight to an RN with no experience?

Becoming an entry-level registered nurse (RN) typically requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. While some employers may hire new graduates with no prior experience, candidates usually need to demonstrate clinical skills, a valid license, and sometimes certification in basic life support (BLS).

What Does an Entry-Level RN Do?

An entry-level RN cares for patients in a variety of settings, mostly clinical. Your responsibilities may include assessment of patient conditions, creation and execution of patient-specific care plans, consultation with physicians and specialists, and communicating with patients and their families regarding treatment options and medication. With certification as an RN, entry-level nurses develop patient care skills while carrying out regular duties such as placing IVs, administering treatments and medications, documenting patient information, and other clinical tasks. As an entry-level RN, you can work in a variety of settings under the guidance of a doctor while gaining experience to help advance your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level RN, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and a solid understanding of clinical procedures and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, basic medical equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and empathy help new nurses build relationships with patients and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills are vital for ensuring patient safety, delivering quality care, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of healthcare environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Rn vs Licensed Practical Nurse?

AspectEntry Level RnLicensed Practical Nurse
CredentialsAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN licenseDiploma or Certificate in Practical Nursing, LPN license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, outpatient settingsLong-term care, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals (supervised roles)
Job ResponsibilitiesAssessments, care planning, administering medications, patient educationBasic patient care, vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living

Entry Level Rns and Licensed Practical Nurses both provide essential patient care but differ mainly in education, scope of practice, and responsibilities. Rns typically have more advanced training and can perform more complex tasks, while Lpns focus on basic care under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

What is considered the easiest RN job?

The easiest RN job often involves working in outpatient clinics, telehealth, or school nursing, where patient acuity is generally lower and shifts are more predictable. These roles typically require less physical demand and fewer emergency situations compared to hospital settings, making them suitable for new graduates seeking a less stressful environment. However, ease of a job can vary based on individual skills and preferences.

What is an entry level job in nursing?

An entry level nursing job typically refers to a registered nurse (RN) position suitable for new graduates or those with minimal work experience. These roles often involve basic patient care, require a valid nursing license, and may include orientation or training periods to develop clinical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Rn jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Rn jobs in Columbia, SC? For Entry Level Rn jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Rn jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Rn jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Rn jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Rn job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
RN Nurse Residency - Adult Acute Care (August Grads, Fall '26 Cohort)

RN Nurse Residency - Adult Acute Care (August Grads, Fall '26 Cohort)

Lexington Medical Center

West Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Lexington Medical Center rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

530th of 1,013 rated hospitals


Job description

"To provide quality healthcare services that meet the needs of our communities."
LH Careers - Center for Nursing Partnerships
Full Time
Adult Acute Care RN Nurse Residency - Fall 2026 Cohort
Sign On Bonus: $8,000
Student Loan Repayment: Up to $5,250
Potential Relocation Available
Rated as one of the Top 25 Best Hospitals to Work for in the U.S., the heart of LMC is our 607-bed modern state-of-the-art facility. Winning the prestigious, "Summit Award" from Press Ganey for outstanding patient satisfaction, "Consumer Choice Award" from the National Research Corporation, all contributing to our reputation for giving our patients the highest quality care. Ranked #1 in the Columbia metro area by U.S. News & World Report, Lexington Health is the only hospital named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina and the first hospital in the state to achieve Magnet with Distinction status for excellent nursing care.
We are located in heart of the Midlands, right outside of Columbia, SC, and one of the most successful integrated healthcare systems in the Southeast. As the third largest employer in the Midlands, we invite you to be a part of our ongoing success and join our Lexington Health Family!
Career opportunities are available throughout our LMC Main Campus. Lexington Health offers an engaging and supportive environment to begin your RN career!
Job Summary
The RN Nurse Residency is for newly graduated Registered Nurses with less than one year of nursing experience. This year-long program includes:
  • 10-12 PAID weeks of 1:1 Precepted Experiences on 1-2 Patient Care Units
  • Online Orientation Modules
  • Professional Development Classes
    • Clinical Lecture Day
    • Basic Arrhythmia (for required units)
    • Arrhythmia Treatment (for required units)
    • Complex Patient Management
    • Delegation/Communication
    • Time Management/Conflict Resolution
  • Completion of Evidence-Based Project with Implementation Opportunity
  • Scheduled Support Meetings with the Residency Coordinators

With the completion of our RN Nurse residency, our Nurse Residents can competently:
  • Utilize the nursing process to promote and restore patient's health status.
  • Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary team members.
  • Provide physical and psychological support to patients, family members and significant others.
  • Use a systematic critical-thinking approach to guide data gathering, assessment, nursing judgement, intervention and evaluation of human responses as well as supervise assigned team members.
  • Ensure all responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the mission, vision, strategic imperatives and standards of the organization, American Nurses Association, Emergency Nurses Association and in accordance with the provisions/statues set forth by the South Carolina Nurse Practice Act.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education:
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing school within past one year is preferred.
  • Entry-level nurses serving in their first nursing role are required to participate in the Nurse Residency Program.
  • Entry-level nurses who are not in their first nursing role may participate in the Nurse Residency Program at the discretion of the program leadership team.
    • However, no longer than 12 months shall elapse from the time of graduation from the prelicensure nursing program to admission into the Nurse Residency Program.
  • ADN, BSN, or MEPN degrees accepted.

*New graduate RNs who acquire their generic RN education through an on-line program will not meet LMC minimum qualifications.
Required Certifications/Licensure:
  • Registered Nurse (RN) licensure through SC (or multi-compact state),

or
  • Graduate Nurse (GN) Licensure through SC
    • If hired with GN licensure, must pass NCLEX-RN by GN license expiration date to continue in Nurse Residency program.
  • Current BLS certification.

Responsibilities
  • Immediately inform Management of receipt of official licensure notification by the Board of Nursing, denial of permanent licensure by the Board of Nursing, failure of NCLEX, revocation of temporary authorization, or any criminal charges (other than minor traffic offense).
  • Flexibility to work dayshift or nightshift, depending on unit needs
  • While completing the RN Nurse Residency program, the Nurse Resident will be expected to adhere to the following organizational standards:
    • Patient Care and Support
      • Establishes positive rapport with patients, family, team members and other disciplines to provide a compassionate confidential environment, promote patient independence, and encourages collaboration between the treatment team members.
      • Uses ethical decision-making processes and advocates for acceptable patient outcomes.
    • Clinical Work Quality
      • Assures quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards; measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and standards; making or recommending necessary adjustments; following hospital and nursing division's philosophies and standards of care set by state board of nursing, state nurse practice act, and other governing agency regulations.
      • Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
      • Provides safe, appropriate, quality of care and support to patients and family members.
    • Resource Management
      • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
      • Assists in performing and documenting environmental checks as required by LMC policy and regulatory agencies.
    • Professional Responsibilities
      • Meets or exceeds all LMC requirements for attendance and service expectations.
      • Maintains required certifications.
      • Completes yearly safety training and other mandatory classes.
      • Complies with all annual employee health requirements.
      • Earns a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education annually within specialty.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

We are committed to offering quality, cost-effective benefits choices for our employees and their families:
  • Day ONE medical, dental and life insurance benefits
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Employees are eligible for enrollment into the 403(b) match plan day one. LHI matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
  • Employer paid life insurance - equal to 1x salary
  • Employee may elect supplemental life insurance with low cost premiums up to 3x salary
  • Adoption assistance
  • LHI provides its full-time employees employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability coverage after 90 days of eligible employment
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Student loan forgiveness

Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Lexington Health to provide equal opportunity of employment for all individuals, and to remain compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Lexington Health strives to provide a discrimination-free environment, and to recruit, select, on-board, and employ all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including but not limited to, lactation. Lexington Health endeavors to upgrade and promote employees from within the hospital where possible and consistent with the employee's desires and abilities and the hospital's needs.

What Lexington Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom