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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Graduate from an accredited nursing school * Current state specific RN license in good standing, or if applicable, a compact state RN license in good standing * BLS certification required (Chronic ...

Wellness Supervisor LPN

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Graduate of an accredited nursing program * Current and good standing LPN license for the State of Illinois * Long-term care experience preferred * Strong assessment and organizational skills

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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.

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:
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.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

United States Army

Mount Zion, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

STRENGTHEN YOUR SKILLS AS A CRNA IN ARMY MEDICINE

If you are looking to pursue a career in nursing that combines science with patient care. Being a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and Officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps will offer you both, and much more.

Outstanding Skills Gained

You’ll provide specialized care to patients requiring general anesthesia, respiratory care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and fluid therapy. As a member of the Army health care team, you’ll be making a difference in the health of our servicemembers, retirees and their families. And, if you choose the Army Reserve, you can continue to work in your community and serve when called upon. For either path you may choose, join us and work alongside professionals at the top of their fields while helping expand the boundaries of medicine.

Outstanding Benefits

In addition, there are many benefits and incentives you may gain as part of Army nursing: Advanced education; full-tuition scholarships; school loan repayment programs; travel opportunities – to include humanitarian missions; leadership training and responsibilities; an impressive sign-on bonus; and a competitive benefits package.

★ Qualified nurses in specific fields may be eligible for bonus payment at their first duty station

★ Repayment of qualifying educational loans to lending institutions paid over three years

★ No- or low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family

★ Enrollment into the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

★ 30 days of paid vacation earned annually

★ Commissary and post exchange shopping privileges

★ Specialized training to become a leader in medicine

★ Retention bonuses for continued service after initial contract obligation has been served

Eligibility Requirements

★ Must have a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

★ Be a graduate of a nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or accepted by the National League of Nursing (NLN) (if an older degree). CRNA degree must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA)

★ Must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and have both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications

★ Must hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license that is current, valid, active, and unrestricted

★ Must possess CRNA board certification

★ Must be a U.S. citizen/Green Card holder/I-551 holder for Active Duty or Army Reserves

Outstanding Advanced Education Opportunity

The U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing (USAGPAN) is a full tuition, Doctor of Nursing Practice program offered through Baylor University. USAGPAN provides specialized training in field anesthesia to ensure that our graduates are qualified to deploy in times of war, civil disorder, natural disasters or for humanitarian missions. The USAGPAN program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Students selected are commissioned as an Active-duty Officer and receive full pay and allowances commensurate with their rank assigned during the entire program. Applicants must have at least one year of Critical Care Nursing experience, BSN or MSN with minimum GPA of 3.0 from an NLN CNEA, CCNE, or ACEN accredited program, and possess a current unencumbered RN license. Contact your local Army Healthcare Recruiter who can provide additional information on the application process. Learn more about the USAGPAN program, qualifying requirements, and curriculum by visiting https://www.baylor.edu/nursing/armydnp/.

Have questions or want more information?

To find out more information about becoming a U.S. Army CRNA, visit www.goarmy.com/amedd. You may also reach out to your local Army Healthcare Recruiter to learn how you can get started on your journey as an Army CRNA.


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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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