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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Rochester Regional Health

Graduate Nurse

Muscatine, IA

$38.66 - $51.91/hr

Graduate Nurse Location : Rochester General Hospital/ Unity Hospital/ United Memorial Medical Center/ Newark Wayne Hospital/ Clifton Springs Hospital Hours Per Week : 36 to 40 Hours Schedule : Day ...

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$17

$27

$39

How much do graduate nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nurse in Iowa is $27.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $31.15 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.
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Graduate Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,053 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Graduate Nurse

Rochester Regional Health

Muscatine, IA

$38.66 - $51.91/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: Graduate Nurse

Location: Rochester General Hospital/ Unity Hospital/ United Memorial Medical Center/ Newark Wayne Hospital/ Clifton Springs Hospital

Hours Per Week: 36 to 40 Hours

Schedule: Day/Evening and Evening/Night shifts (with every other weekend) available based on Unit

SUMMARY

We are excited to offer the opportunity to start as a Graduate Nurse on a Limited Permit to August 2026 graduates.

For August Graduates: Application is opened until August 1st

The Graduate Nurse Program provides all-inclusive support to kick-start your nursing profession:

  • Classroom-based Clinical Orientation (2 weeks)

  • Comprehensive Unit-Based Orientation (8 weeks)

  • NCLEX Bootcamp (weekly in classroom review for 5 weeks - PAID):

  • ATI NCLEX Review (virtual asynchronous): Access to ATI NCLEX Review as a supplement to the NCLEX Bootcamp.

  • Nurse Residency Program: Participation in our Nurse Residency Program

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Patient Care & Service: Promote and restore patients' health by completing the nursing process; collaborating with physicians and multidisciplinary team members; performing various treatment procedures; providing physical, educational and emotional support to patients, friends and families; supervising assigned team members

  • Planning & Communication: Develop and document individualized care plans customized for each patient's unique needs, with support from the interdisciplinary health team as needed; maintain effective communication to convey patient health status, treatment plans and progress

  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management: Demonstrate proficient use of an EHR - including accurate patient and provider documentation and communication

  • Compliance: Adhere to required department and system protocols, regulations (local, state, federal) and education requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate of a NYS program of Nursing -ASN or BSN

  • New Graduate Practice exclusion - allowed to practice nursing for 90 days immediately following graduation.

  • NYS Registered Nurse license must be obtained within 6 months of hire date

  • Official transcript from accredited school or letter emailed directly from the school's registrar's office confirming program completion will be accepted upon graduation.

  • Primary source education verification required within 90 days of graduation.

EDUCATION:

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

PAY RANGE:

$38.66 - $51.91

CITY:

Rochester

POSTAL CODE:

14617

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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