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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Nurse information

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$19

$29

$42

How much do graduate nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nurse in Delaware is $29.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

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Graduate Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,860 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Cardiology

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Basic Requirements
  • Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant:
    • The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or
    • The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
    • NOTE: Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Candidates with equivalent nurse practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.
  • License - All APN (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
  • Basic Board Certification - All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current basic board certification in one of the following: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), or Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (GNP) from one of the following: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) II:
Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(B).
  • Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
  • Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (NP). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required.
  • Dimension Requirement: APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
    • Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program.
    • Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
    • Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care.
    • Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
    • Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) III:
  • Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care.
  • Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP) AND one year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.
  • Dimension Requirement: APN (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
    • Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program.
    • Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
    • Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population, or program.
    • Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility.
    • Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population, or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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