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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Decatur Memorial Hospital

RN - New Graduate

Lincoln, IL · On-site

New Graduate Registered Nurse Sign-on Bonuses up to $15,000.00 The New Graduate Registered Nurse is a full-time registered nurse position with a one-year nationally recognized Nurse Residency Program ...

Memorial Health

RN - New Graduate

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$30.23 - $48.37/hr

The New Graduate Registered Nurse is a full-time registered nurse position with a one-year nationally recognized Nurse Residency Program that assists you in transitioning from a new graduate to a ...

Memorial Health

RN - New Graduate

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$30.23 - $48.37/hr

The New Graduate Registered Nurse is a full-time registered nurse position with a one-year nationally recognized Nurse Residency Program that assists you in transitioning from a new graduate to a ...

Memorial Health

RN - New Graduate

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$30.23 - $48.37/hr

The New Graduate Registered Nurse is a full-time registered nurse position with a one-year nationally recognized Nurse Residency Program that assists you in transitioning from a new graduate to a ...

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All JobsGraduate Nurse JobsGraduate Nurse Jobs in Decatur, IL

Graduate Nurse information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$18

$28

$41

How much do graduate nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nurse in Decatur, IL is $28.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $32.16 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.

More about Graduate Nurse jobs
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Nurse jobs in Decatur, IL? For Graduate Nurse jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Nurse jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Nurse jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Graduate Nurse jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Graduate Nurse job openings:
Graduate Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,951 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

RN - New Graduate

Decatur Memorial Hospital

Lincoln, IL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

New Graduate Registered Nurse

Sign-on Bonuses up to $15,000.00

The New Graduate Registered Nurse is a full-time registered nurse position with a one-year nationally recognized Nurse Residency Program that assists you in transitioning from a new graduate to a professional nurse. As a New Graduate Registered Nurse, you will receive a carefully planned combination of on-the-job and classroom education.

This program allows you to build relationships with other new RNs and to work collaboratively on a project that is important to advancing the care of our patients. The New Graduate Registered Nurse will receive support from their Nurse Manager, Preceptor, Mentor, other unit staff as well as a Nursing Outcome Improvement Facilitator.

Our curriculum focuses on three core components; Clinical Leadership, Patient Safety and Outcomes and the Professional Role as a Registered Nurse. There are monthly residency sessions that will provide you with a strong foundation for the lifelong learning ahead. The last six months of the program is committed to an evidence-based practice project. As a group you will work with your unit and unit manager on a clinical issue that you see as problematic or an area of improvement.

In addition to the residency, the New Graduate Registered Nurse will be responsible for delegation, supervision, and provision of nursing care for a designated group of patients through utilization of the nursing process. They will provide age-appropriate care and will participate in research when appropriate and incorporate research findings into evidence-based clinical practice.

To review Memorial's Benefits click here: Benefits - Memorial HR

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

  • Licensed as RN in State of Illinois.
  • Current BLS/CPR certification per policy.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Must be able to position and/or transfer an average adult patient and possess gross coordination sufficient to perform other patient care duties as required. Must be able to withstand prolonged periods of standing. Must be able to perform difficult manipulative skills such as IV insertion and IM injections.
  • Environmental working conditions include exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue, contagious diseases and/or radioactive or other potentially hazardous materials.

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