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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Centra Care

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Melrose, MN · On-site

$42.86 - $71.51/hr

Graduate Nurse Residency Program CentraCare is committed to helping new graduate RNs transition confidently from student to professional nurse through our highly respected and nationally accredited ...

Centra Care

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Willmar, MN · On-site

$42.86 - $71.51/hr

Graduate Nurse Residency Program CentraCare is committed to helping new graduate RNs transition confidently from student to professional nurse through our highly respected and nationally accredited ...

Minnesota Jobs

New Graduate Nurse- RN

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

Graduate Nurse Position This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job ...

New

Minnesota Jobs

New Graduate Nurse- RN

Waite Park, MN · On-site

Graduate Nurse Position This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job ...

Minnesota Jobs

New Graduate Nurse- RN

Shakopee, MN · On-site

Graduate Nurse Position This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job ...

Mercy

LPN-Graduate Nurse Resident - CPC (PT, Nights)

Anoka, MN · On-site

$26.25 - $35.75/hr

Position Details: LPN-Graduate Nurse Resident or Licensed Practical Nurse Location: Mercy Hospital Southeast, Cape Girardeau, MO Department: 4H Cardiac Progressive Care Status: Part-Time - min of 16 ...

Minnesota Jobs

New Graduate Nurse- RN

Saint Augusta, MN · On-site

Graduate Nurse Position This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job ...

Minnesota Jobs

New Graduate Nurse- RN

Brainerd, MN · On-site

Graduate Nurse Position This position is for graduates of an accredited school of Nursing working in a state that does not allow graduates to perform nursing duties until licensed. The specific job ...

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Graduate Nurse information

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$18

$29

$41

How much do graduate nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nurse in Minnesota is $29.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $32.50 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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For Graduate Nurse jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Minnesota with the most Graduate Nurse job openings:

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Graduate Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,534 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Melrose, MN • On-site

Centra Care
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Centra Careexternal

$42.86 - $71.51/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

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.
  • Please note that applications for candidates graduating in December 2026 will not be considered until the fall review period.

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. 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

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

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What CentraCare employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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