ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Nursing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sierra Community College

Nursing Instructor

Rocklin, CA · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Write letters of recommendation upon student requests as warranted; precept students in local area graduate nursing programs. Related Professional Responsibilities - ESSENTIAL : Maintain currency in ...

HCA Healthcare

New Grad RN

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$52.02/hr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program * Registered Nurse License or Graduate Nurse in the State * No previous experience needed * Some travel maybe needed for ...

HCA Healthcare

New Grad RN

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$52.02/hr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program * Registered Nurse License or Graduate Nurse in the State * No previous experience needed * Some travel maybe needed for ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGraduate Nursing JobsGraduate Nursing Jobs in California

Graduate Nursing information

See California salary details

$23

$29

$41

How much do graduate nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate nursing in California is $29.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.59 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate nurse?

Graduate nurses are individuals who have recently completed a nursing program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), but have not yet obtained their registered nurse (RN) license. They typically work under supervision while preparing for or awaiting the results of their licensing exam, known as the NCLEX-RN. Graduate nurses often participate in orientation or residency programs that help them transition from student to professional nurse, gaining real-world experience and strengthening their clinical skills. Their responsibilities may vary depending on state regulations and employer policies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a graduate nurse?

To thrive as a Graduate Nurse, you need a solid understanding of nursing fundamentals, patient care techniques, and completion of a nursing degree with eligibility for RN licensure. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), clinical documentation systems, and common medical equipment is crucial. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help new graduates integrate into healthcare teams and respond to changing patient needs. These competencies ensure safe, effective patient care while supporting a smooth transition from academic to professional practice.

What support and mentorship can graduate nurses expect during their transition into clinical practice?

Graduate nurses usually receive structured support through orientation programs, preceptorships, and ongoing mentorship from experienced staff. These programs are designed to help new graduates build clinical confidence, adjust to the fast-paced hospital environment, and develop critical thinking skills. Most hospitals pair graduate nurses with a dedicated preceptor or mentor who provides guidance, feedback, and answers to day-to-day questions. Regular check-ins, skills workshops, and peer support groups are also common to help ease the transition into professional practice.

What is the difference between Graduate Nursing vs Registered Nurse?

AspectGraduate NursingRegistered Nurse
CredentialsCompletion of nursing degree; may include licensure examLicensed after passing NCLEX-RN exam
Work EnvironmentEntry-level settings, internships, clinical rotationsHospitals, clinics, community health, various healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational programs, hospitals, healthcare agenciesHospitals, clinics, long-term care, outpatient facilities

Graduate Nursing refers to individuals who have completed their nursing education and are preparing to become licensed, often in clinical rotations or internships. Registered Nurse describes those who have obtained licensure and are actively practicing in healthcare settings. The transition from Graduate Nursing to Registered Nurse involves passing the licensing exam and gaining full practice rights.

What can I do as a new graduate registered nurse?

As a new graduate registered nurse, you can work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, providing patient care under supervision. You may start in entry-level roles like staff nurse or patient care associate, and obtaining certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) can enhance your qualifications. Gaining experience and developing clinical skills are essential for career advancement in nursing.

What can you do with a graduate degree in nursing?

A graduate degree in nursing allows you to pursue advanced roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse educator. These positions often require additional certification and involve providing specialized patient care, leadership, or teaching in healthcare settings.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Nursing jobs in California?

For Graduate Nursing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Nursing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Nursing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Nursing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Nursing job openings:

Graduate Nursing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nursing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,443 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Faculty, Director of Nursing MSN-FNP

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to accomplish each of the below duties satisfactorily:
Duties may include any or all of the following, depending on the specific assignment. Specific duties will be identified by the Supervisor for each work assignment.
  1. Provides leadership in the ongoing development of the Nursing MSN-FNP within the Concordia University of Irvine Department of Nursing:
    • Develops and writes graduate curricula as appropriate for new program development.
    • Coordinates and facilitates online/hybrid/on-ground graduate nursing curriculum, class scheduling, and teaching formats.
    • Coordinates orientation for new graduate students.
    • Participates on Graduate Student Thesis, Evidence-Based Practice Policy Research, and Dissertation Committee as a chair and/or committee member.
    • Participates and collaborates in scheduled marketing, recruitment, and information session meetings.
    • Develops and implements an effective system of academic, advisement, and matriculation for graduate students.
  2. Serves as a member of committees as appointed by the Assistant Dean/Director of Nursing.
  3. Performs instructional duties as assigned.
  4. Coordinates academic matters with the faculty workload assignment and orientation of subject matter experts for the graduate
  5. Directs and collaborates with faculty and director to determine release time to fulfill specific faculty projects or on-going research and other professional development.
  6. Participates in the selection, assignment, development, monitoring, and evaluation of faculty and assists in recruitment of adjunct faculty.
  7. Assures the effective development and operation of graduate simulation content in clinical MSN curriculum.
  8. Handles graduate students' academic requests for leave of absence, petitions and grievances in accordance with Concordia University Irvine established policies and procedure.
  9. Develops, implements, and ensures that the curriculum evaluation component of the MSN are collected and analyzed.
  10. Participates in the planning, implementing, and evaluation of curriculum content and program outcomes for accrediting bodies Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  11. Assists in the preparation and ongoing maintenance of accreditation for, BRN, CCNE, WASC.
  12. Collaborates with Assistant Dean/Director of Nursing in developing, revising, and implementing department policies.
  13. Assists Assistant Dean/Director of Nursing in preparing and monitoring annual program budget.
  14. Attends conferences, workshops, seminars and /or industry meetings pertinent to program needs.
  15. Other assignments as delegated by the Assistant Dean/Director of Nursing.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position directly supervises employees and carries out supervisor responsibilities in accordance with the university's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Pay Range: $150,000-$170,000 per year
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply