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Graduate Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Nurse information

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$19

$31

$44

How much do graduate nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nurse in Riverside, CA is $31.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.82 and $34.62 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.
More about Graduate Nurse jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Graduate Nurse jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Graduate Nurse job openings:

Graduate Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,481 per year, or $31 per hour.

LVN - Private Duty Nursing

Maxim Healthcare Services

Irvine, CA

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Maxim Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Starting Pay: $30/hour | New Graduate Nurses Welcome!

Whether you're a recent graduate looking to gain clinical experience or an experienced nurse seeking a rewarding opportunity, Maxim provides the training, support, and clinical resources you need to succeed. Our nurses make a direct impact by delivering personalized care to patients in the comfort of their homes.

For immediate consideration, contact Darlene E. at (714) 542-2400.

What You'll Do

As a Maxim nurse, you will:

  • Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
  • Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care in the home setting.
  • Monitor and assess patients for changes in physical and psychosocial conditions.
  • Collaborate with physicians, caregivers, and clinical supervisors to coordinate care.
  • Document assessments, interventions, and patient progress accurately.
  • Educate patients and family members regarding treatments and care plans.
  • Follow established nursing standards and clinical protocols.
  • Perform other nursing duties as assigned.

Why New Grads Choose Maxim

  • Comprehensive training and ongoing clinical support
  • One-on-one patient care experience
  • Opportunities to build confidence and strengthen clinical skills
  • Career advancement opportunities within a national healthcare organization
  • Dedicated clinical supervisors available for guidance and mentorship

New Graduate Nurse Program Requirements

To be considered for Maxim Healthcare's New Graduate Nurse Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a newly licensed RN or LVN seeking full-time employment.
  • Must be available to work full-time hours
  • Must have open availability including weekends
  • Must be willing to accept assignments based on current patient and family needs.
  • Must be willing to travel throughout Orange County and accept assignments within the county.
  • Must commit to remaining in the New Graduate Program for a minimum of one year.
  • Must be motivated to gain hands-on bedside nursing experience through direct patient care in the home setting.

Why We Require Flexibility

Nurses with open availability are more likely to be matched with available families sooner, allowing them to begin working, building skills, and gaining valuable nursing experience immediately following orientation and training.

Maxim Benefits:

Health and Wellness
Medical/Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Advocacy (company paid if enrolled Medical) and Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program

Retirement and Financial Security:
Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short Term Disability, Voluntary Group Life Insurance and Supplemental Accidental Insurance, Hospital Expense Protection Plan, Critical Illness Insurance, Home and Auto Insurance discounts, Pet Insurance and Legal Benefits

Lifestyle Benefits:
Paid Time Off, Employee Discount Program, Transportation Benefits and College Partnership Program

*Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status.

About Maxim Healthcare
Maxim Healthcare has been making a difference in the lives of our patients, caregivers, employees and communities for more than 30 years. We offer private duty nursing, skilled nursing, physical rehabilitation, companion care, respite care and behavioral care for individuals with chronic and acute illnesses and disabilities. Our commitment to quality customer service, compassionate patient care, and filling critical healthcare needs makes us a trusted partner wherever care is needed. 

Maxim Healthcare, Inc. (“Maxim”) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Maxim Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Maxim Healthcare logo

About Maxim Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Maxim, our priority is providing exemplary care for our patients and their families. Our team of nurses, therapists, and home health aides help patients of all ages maintain their quality of life.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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