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Grad Rn Jobs in San Diego, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Helpers - Escondido, CA

Caregiver

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

If you are a CNA, PCA, RN, New Grad RN, LPN, LVN, or HHA, apply now! Duration: Permanent Responsibilities * Assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as assigned * Provide companionship and ...

Senior Helpers

Caregiver

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

If you are a CNA, PCA, RN, New Grad RN, LPN, LVN, or HHA, apply now! Duration: Permanent Responsibilities * Assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as assigned * Provide companionship and ...

Senior Helpers - Escondido, CA

Caregiver

San Marcos, CA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

If you are a CNA, PCA, RN, New Grad RN, LPN, LVN, or HHA, apply now! Duration: Permanent Responsibilities * Assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as assigned * Provide companionship and ...

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All JobsGrad Rn JobsGrad Rn Jobs in San Diego, CA

Grad Rn information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$24

$31

$44

How much do grad rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for grad rn in San Diego, CA is $31.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Grad RN?

Grad RNs, or Graduate Registered Nurses, are individuals who have completed the educational requirements for a nursing degree and have graduated from an accredited nursing program, but may not yet be fully licensed as registered nurses. Typically, Grad RNs are in the process of preparing for and taking the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to obtain their nursing license. During this period, they may work in healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed RNs or physicians. Their responsibilities often include providing direct patient care, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures, all while gaining practical experience. Once they pass the licensing exam, they become fully licensed registered nurses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Grad RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grad RN, a foundational understanding of nursing principles, clinical skills, and completion of a nursing degree with eligibility for RN licensure are essential. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), hospital protocols, and basic patient care equipment is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help new graduates adapt and excel during their transition into professional practice. These competencies ensure safe patient care, effective collaboration, and a smooth integration into the healthcare environment.

What types of mentorship and support can a new Grad RN expect during their transition into clinical practice?

As a new Grad RN, you can typically expect to be paired with a preceptor or mentor during your orientation period. This experienced nurse will guide you through daily responsibilities, answer your questions, and help you develop clinical skills and confidence. Most hospitals offer structured residency or transition-to-practice programs, which may include classroom learning, simulation labs, and regular check-ins with educators or managers. This support system is designed to ease your transition from student to practicing nurse, promote professional growth, and help you navigate common challenges faced by new graduates.

What is the difference between Grad Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectGrad RnRegistered Nurse
CredentialsGraduated from an accredited nursing program, eligible for licensureLicensed and fully credentialed nurse with active RN license
Work EnvironmentEntry-level settings, supervised clinical rotations, training rolesFull responsibilities in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare agencies during trainingEstablished healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, training positionsFull practice roles, career progression

In summary, a Grad Rn is a nursing graduate in the process of obtaining licensure and gaining practical experience, while a Registered Nurse is a fully licensed professional with broader responsibilities and independence in patient care.

What can I do as a new graduate registered nurse?

As a new graduate registered nurse, you can work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, providing patient care under supervision. You may start in entry-level roles like staff nurse or patient care associate, and obtaining certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) can enhance your qualifications. Gaining experience and developing clinical skills are essential for career advancement.

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Grad Rn jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Grad Rn job openings:

Grad Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grad Rn job openings in San Diego, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,100 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Virtual Info Session - Rady Children's New Grad RN Transition to Practice Program

San Diego, CA • On-site

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego
Hospitals • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Rady Children's Hospital-San Diegoexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Rady Children's Hospital rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join Rady Children’s Health-San Diego for our
New Graduate RN Transition to Practice Program Info Session!

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST

Location: Zoom; click here to REGISTER.  (Link provided upon registration)

Current nursing students and recent graduates eager to begin their careers in pediatric healthcare are invited to Rady Children’s Health-San Diego's New Grad RN Info Session, designed for those interested in joining our team through the New Graduate RN Transition to Practice Program.

During this virtual event, you'll hear directly from the application review team who will provide an in-depth overview of the Transition to Practice Program, explore the supportive and dynamic culture at Rady Children’s, and highlight the comprehensive benefits available to our team members. Plus, we’ll offer valuable tips on how to make your application stand out from the crowd!

What to expect:

  • Introduction to the New Graduate RN Transition to Practice Program
  • Insight into Rady Children’s work environment and employee benefits
  • Application tips and advice from the review team
  • Open Q&A to get all your questions answered

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Rady Children’s can help you transition from student to confident pediatric nurse. We look forward to meeting you and helping you take the next step in your nursing career!

Register now to secure your spot!


About the Transition to Practice Program:

The Rady Children’s Transition to Practice Program is a 1-year comprehensive education and training program crafted to support the transition of newly graduated nurses into professional clinical practice. This program offers a structured and encouraging learning environment, empowering participants to develop their clinical skills and gain valuable hands-on experience under the mentorship of experienced nursing staff. Our program provides numerous opportunities for you to grow as a nurse through case-based learning, simulation, mentoring and debriefing groups, and preceptor-guided clinical experience. Click here for a video overview of the program. 


** PLEASE NOTE: New Grad applications are NOT accepted or reviewed through this posting. Please utilize the webinar registration link to attend the virtual info session and receive future new grad program updates. We look forward to meeting you at the webinar!

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