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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

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

As of Aug 8, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% 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

Centra Care

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

$42.86 - $71.51/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


CentraCare rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

452nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description


CentraCare is committed to helping new graduate RNs transition confidently from student to professional nurse through our highly respected and nationally accredited Graduate Nurse Residency Program. Our year-long, paid residency program provides monthly training, mentoring, and support designed to shape you into an exceptional nurse. This program is designed for nurses with less than 1 year of RN experience and is available at: Paynesville, Melrose, Sauk Centre, Long Prairie, Rice Memorial (Willmar), and St. Cloud Hospital (5x Magnet®-designated).
WHEN TO APPLY:
  • Apply during your final semester OR after graduation.
  • December 2026 graduate applications will not be considered until the fall review period. Please apply after September 1st.
What to know:
  • You'll be considered for all new grad RN openings at CentraCare by applying to this application.
  • Include a current resume with your application.
  • Select your top 3 units of interest on the application. View units who hire new grads here. Some units may require additional experience or education, and not all units have current openings.
  • We hire and start new grad RNs year-round based on unit availability.
Here's what you need to qualify:
  • Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program and have a Minnesota RN license by your start date.
  • Less than 1 year of RN experience.
  • BSN is required to be completed within 3 years of hire (St. Cloud only).
Schedule:
  • Shifts and FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents) vary by unit and are determined at the time of offer based on availability.
  • Day/night rotations and straight night shifts are commonly available. Day/evening rotations or straight evening shifts may be offered occasionally, based on unit needs.
  • Shifts may be 8 or 12 hours in length. Weekend requirements are typically every other weekend or every third weekend, depending on availability.
Pay: (based on experience and degree)
  • Associate/Diploma in nursing starting at $42.86 per hour
  • Bachelor's in nursing starting at $44.34 per hour
  • Master's in nursing starting at $45.82 per hour
  • Pay range: $42.86 - $71.51 per hour
RN wages in Willmar are based on union rates
  • Associate in nursing starting at $43.24 per hour
  • Bachelor's in nursing starting at $43.61 per hour
  • Master's in nursing starting at $45.79 per hour
  • Pay range: $43.24 - $61.76 per hour
Benefits:
  • Full-time benefits: Medical, dental, PTO, retirement, employee discounts and more!
  • Tuition reimbursement and college grant programs available
Bonus Information:
  • New hires can earn a bonus of $3,500 to $5,000, depending on the unit
  • Relocation pay of $5,000 is available to eligible candidates

To be eligible for the hiring bonus you must be an external candidate who is hired into an eligible full-time or part-time benefited position. Previous employees qualify if they have not worked for CentraCare for at least 9 months at the date of hire. Relocation assistance requirements: Must accept a position that offers benefits and may not have worked for CentraCare in the last 9 months. Must currently reside more than 50 miles away and relocate to within 30 miles of primary work location within 120 days. CentraCare hiring incentives to include but not limited to, hiring and relocation bonuses may be discontinued at any time.
CentraCare has made a commitment to diversity in its workforce and all individuals, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. CentraCare is an EEO/AA employer.

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About CentraCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CentraCare has grown to meet the needs of the communities and is now one of the largest health systems in Minnesota. This means we are able to offer the latest advancements in care, technology and treatments close to home. But what makes CentraCare special is not our facilities or technology. It is our people. We live in the communities we serve. We are neighbors, friends and family. And when you need us, we are here for you.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Cloud, MN, US

Year founded

1886