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Graduate Nurse Residency Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Nurse Residency Program information

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$29K

$89.7K

$131K

How much do graduate nurse residency program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate nurse residency program in the United States is $89,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I expect during the transition from nursing school to clinical practice in a Graduate Nurse Residency Program?

Graduate Nurse Residency Programs are designed to support new nurses as they move from the academic setting to professional clinical practice. You can expect a structured orientation period that includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of experienced preceptors. Common challenges include adjusting to shift work, managing a full patient load, and developing confidence in clinical decision-making. However, you'll benefit from ongoing mentorship, regular feedback, and peer support, which help ease the transition and foster professional growth. This supportive environment is intended to build your skills, reduce stress, and improve retention as you launch your nursing career.

What is a Graduate Nurse Residency Program?

A Graduate Nurse Residency Program is a structured training program designed for newly graduated registered nurses. It helps bridge the gap between nursing school and professional clinical practice by providing mentorship, hands-on experience, and additional education in a supportive environment. These programs typically last from six months to a year and focus on building clinical skills, confidence, and professional development. Participation in a nurse residency program can improve job satisfaction and retention rates for new nurses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Graduate Nurse Residency Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Graduate Nurse Residency Program, you need a recent nursing degree, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, and fundamental clinical skills. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient care technologies, and hospital protocols is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are important soft skills for integrating into clinical teams and responding to dynamic patient needs. These skills ensure that new nurses transition smoothly into professional practice, provide safe patient care, and build confidence in a supportive learning environment.

What is the difference between Graduate Nurse Residency Program vs Registered Nurse?

AspectGraduate Nurse Residency ProgramRegistered Nurse
CredentialsNewly licensed nurses with a BSN or ADNLicensed nurses with active RN license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities during trainingFull-time staff in various healthcare settings
PurposeTransition from student to professional nurse with structured supportProvide patient care independently after licensure

The Graduate Nurse Residency Program is a structured training program for new nurses to develop skills and confidence, whereas a Registered Nurse is a licensed professional providing direct patient care. The residency program prepares nurses for independent practice, making it ideal for those entering the workforce for the first time.

More about Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Nurse Residency Program job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Nurse Residency Program jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse Residency Program job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,734 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Meritus Health

Hagerstown, MD

$15K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Meritus Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

487th of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) Residency Program Various Specialties Available!

Applications now being accepted for our Nurse Residency Program!

The Meritus Nurse Residency Program offers a distinctive opportunity to launch your career as a Registered Nurse. We understand the challenges you may face in your first year of practice, and our program is designed to support you every step of the way. Over the course of 12 months, you'll build a strong foundation in nursing, strengthened by the valuable nurse/preceptor relationship, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in your new role.

Meritus Medical Center is proud to offer the Vizient/AACN Nursing Residency Program™, a trusted initiative utilized by over 550 hospitals and health systems across the country, including as the state model for Hawaii, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP) is specifically designed to support new graduate nurses as they transition into practice, resulting in higher retention rates and greater success in their nursing careers.

Come be a part of a program that supports your professional growth from day one! We offer opportunities across a variety of specialty units, including orthopedics, neurology, trauma, oncology, renal, stroke, women's and pediatric services, float pool, and more. Apply today to connect with our nursing recruiter and explore available opportunities.

Fast Facts:

  • All newly licensed Registered Nurses start at $34.75/hour with excellent benefits, shift differentials, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education opportunities
  • Unlimited growth potential, including certification pay and a nursing ladder
  • The program is designed to ease the transition of newly graduated nurses from the classroom to the clinical practice environment, promoting quality, safety, and reducing turnover rates for first-year nurses

Financial Support Program for newly graduated nurses:

  • Meritus is extending a helping hand to new graduate nurses burdened by student loans by offering eligible employees $455 per month for 33 payments, totaling over $15,000!
  • These monthly payments are disbursed directly to the employee and are classified as taxable income.
  • To qualify, employees must maintain a workload of at least.9 full-time equivalent (FTE) and have obtained their undergraduate degree within the past 6 months.
  • Further terms and conditions may be applicable.

Requirements Prior to Interviewing:

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation, with at least one being from a clinical instructor.
  • Letter of Intent

General Requirements:

  • Education - Graduation from an accredited nursing program
  • Licensure/Certification - Current license as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland or by Compact/ Multistate License with approval to work in MD is required. BLS required.
  • Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – Ability to apply the standards of professional nursing practice with compassion and empathy. Basic computer skills required. Must possess high level of organizational and communication skills.

Caring for Our Team

We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional development of our team members through a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage begins on the first of the month following your hire date.
  • Life Insurance & Disability Coverage Includes company-paid life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability benefits to provide peace of mind.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) A generous PTO program designed to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan Benefit from a robust company match to support your long-term financial goals.
  • Education Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement Support for your continued learning and career growth.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Options to save pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Shift Differential Pay Team members working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for additional pay.

Happy to Help At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


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