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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Encompass Health

Graduate Nurse

Yuma, AZ · On-site

Graduate Nurse Career Opportunity Encompass Health: Where Nursing Meets Heart, Home, and Healing Looking for a nursing career rooted in purpose, close to your heart and home? At Encompass Health, you ...

HealthSouth

Graduate Nurse

Yuma, AZ · On-site

Graduate Nurse Career Opportunity Encompass Health: Where Nursing Meets Heart, Home, and Healing Looking for a nursing career rooted in purpose, close to your heart and home? At Encompass Health, you ...

MGA Homecare

New Graduate Nurse Residency

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

New Graduate Nurse Residency Job Overview Title: * Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse New Graduate Residency Program Summary : The MGA New Graduate Residency Program will assist you in ...

Mgahomecare

New Graduate Nurse Residency

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

New Graduate Nurse Residency Job Overview Title: * Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse New Graduate Residency Program Summary: The MGA New Graduate Residency Program will assist you in ...

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Graduate Nurse information

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$17

$27

$39

How much do graduate nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nurse in Arizona is $27.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $30.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate nurse?

A graduate nurse is an individual who has recently completed a nursing program, such as a diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree in nursing, but has not yet obtained licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Graduate nurses typically work under the supervision of licensed nurses while they prepare for and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This transitional phase allows them to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. Once they pass the licensing exam, they become fully qualified registered nurses.

What does a graduate nurse do?

As a graduate nurse (GN), your job is to work in a nursing department while pursuing your certification as a registered nurse (RN). This is a transitional status between nursing student and RN, and most GNs receive full accreditation within six months of graduating from college. Your primary responsibilities in this position include almost anything a regular nurse may do, including providing health care in areas like surgery, adult medicine, neonatal care, or an emergency department. The main difference between this and regular nursing work is that graduate nurses must be supervised by a registered nurse when providing care to a patient. This supervision is mandatory in all states.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Nurse, you need a solid understanding of nursing fundamentals, clinical procedures, and patient care, supported by a nursing degree and successful completion of the NCLEX exam. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), basic medical equipment, and hospital protocols is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help Graduate Nurses adapt to fast-paced environments and provide compassionate care. These competencies ensure safe, effective patient care and smooth integration into healthcare teams as new professionals.

What kinds of support and mentorship can a graduate nurse expect during their first year on the job?

Graduate Nurses typically receive structured support through orientation programs, preceptorships, and regular check-ins with experienced nurses or educators. Most hospitals assign a preceptor or mentor who provides guidance, feedback, and assistance as new graduates transition from academic learning to hands-on clinical practice. This support helps ease the common challenges of adapting to shift work, managing patient loads, and building confidence in clinical skills. Participating in these programs fosters professional growth and helps Graduate Nurses integrate smoothly into the healthcare team.

What is the difference between Graduate Nurse vs Registered Nurse?

AspectGraduate NurseRegistered Nurse
CredentialsCompletion of nursing degree, eligible for licensureLicensed and registered with nursing board
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical settings, training rolesIndependent practice in hospitals, clinics, community
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles, training programsFull professional roles across healthcare settings
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry requirements, trainingJob responsibilities, career progression

In summary, a Graduate Nurse is an individual who has completed their nursing education and is preparing to become licensed, often working under supervision. A Registered Nurse has obtained licensure and can practice independently, taking on full responsibilities in various healthcare environments.

What can you do as a graduate nurse?

A graduate nurse can provide basic patient care, assist with medical procedures, monitor patient conditions, and support healthcare teams under supervision. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings and may pursue certifications to specialize in areas like pediatrics or emergency care.
More about Graduate Nurse jobs

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For Graduate Nurse jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities in Arizona are hiring for Graduate Nurse jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Graduate Nurse job openings:

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For Graduate Nurse jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Graduate Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,597 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Graduate Nurse

Encompass Health

Yuma, AZ • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Encompass Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

420th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Graduate Nurse Career Opportunity

Encompass Health: Where Nursing Meets Heart, Home, and Healing
Looking for a nursing career rooted in purpose, close to your heart and home? At Encompass Health, you'll play a vital role in patients' recoveries-providing individualized, compassionate care that makes a lasting impact. Here, small victories add up to monumental change, and you'll thrive in an environment built on support, advanced resources, and teamwork.

The Graduate Nurse position provides a transitional role for graduate nurses to begin orienting while waiting to pass the NCLEX and fully function as a Registered Nurse. This position is responsible for providing direct patient care activities appropriate to training and competency for assigned patients and for completing and assisting RNs with assigned patient care activities while promoting excellent patient satisfaction and outcomes. This position gains clinical experience by learning nursing procedures and various disease processes, familiarizing themselves to the hospital environment and interacting with physicians and other healthcare provides.

A Glimpse into Our World
At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Being at Encompass Health means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. We take pride in the growth opportunities we offer and how our team unites for the greater good of our patients. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.

Starting Perks and Benefits
Our benefits are designed to support your well-being and start on day one:

  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
  • Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
  • Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous education.
  • Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do!

Realize Your Vision as a New Registered Nurse 

  • Join a supportive RN cohort with a structured curriculum designed to build confidence, enhance your skills, provide mentorship and set you up for long-term success.
  • Build meaningful relationships with patients and their families, understanding their unique needs to facilitate their recovery.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with various departments to ensure coordinated care and provide direct patient care when needed.
  • Celebrate victories and milestones achieved by our patients.

Qualifications 

  • CPR certification required.
  • Proof of completion of a RN program and eligibility to sit for NCLEX.
  • Must take NCLEX within six months of being granted Graduate Nurse status.
The Encompass Health Way 

We proudly set the standard in care by leading with empathy, doing what's right, focusing on the positive, and standing stronger together. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing! 
 
At Encompass Health, we celebrate and welcome diversity in our inclusive culture. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, color, creed, age, mental or physical disability, or any other protected classification. 

What Encompass Health employees say

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About Encompass Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Helping patients regain hope and independence, Encompass Health is a national leader in post-acute care. We operate rehabilitation hospitals in 36 states as well as Puerto Rico. Following the Encompass Way, we are driven by our core values: We proudly set the standard, lead with empathy, do what's right, focus on the positive, and remain stronger together.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

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