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Graduate Nursing Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

CA$39.58 - CA$54.16/hr

Step into your nursing career with confidence. Join Alberta's Graduate Nurse Transition Pilot Program. Have you recently graduated as a Registered Nurse and ready to launch your nursing career?

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Graduate Nursing information

See Ontario salary details

$21.5K

$64.2K

$120.5K

How much do graduate nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate nursing in Ontario is $64,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, 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 Ontario?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Graduate Nursing job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,218 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Registered Nurse- Transitional Graduate Nurse

On-site

Alberta Health Services
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

CA$39.58 - CA$54.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Your Opportunity:

Step into your nursing career with confidence. Join Alberta's Graduate Nurse Transition Pilot Program. Have you recently graduated as a Registered Nurse and ready to launch your nursing career? Whether you're drawn to the energy of urban centers or the close-knit feel of rural communities, opportunities await in our Graduate Nurse Transition Pilot Program (GNTPP). This isn't about "hitting the ground running". It's about growing into your role with the support you deserve. You'll be paired with experienced peers who guide you every step of the way, helping you build your skills, competence, and confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Start strong. Grow steadily. Thrive with support. The GNTPP is 12 months in duration and structured into two phases: Phase 1 - Enhanced Orientation: You will be in supernumerary (not counted in staffing numbers) and paired with a Clinical Guide (experienced RN) to develop and complete a personalized learning plan. The duration of this phase is flexible, based on your individual learning and transition needs. Phase 2 - Independent Practice with Support: After successfully completing Phase 1 - Enhanced Orientation, you will transition to independent practice while having access to an assigned mentor for ongoing support throughout the remaining 12 months of the program. After transitioning to independent practice, you will be required to apply for available vacant positions of no less than 0.5 FTE in a similar practice setting, ideally within the same unit, program, site, or office.

Description:

As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will provide a wide variety of nursing services to patients, families, communities and populations, while taking necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. In your role, you will utilize nursing processes, through critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, as well as teach, counsel and advocate on behalf of patients and their families. You will play a leadership role in supporting an integrated and holistic approach to patient care, health promotion and maintenance. You will provide safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of the organization. PLEASE NOTE: Provisional Permit holders will be paid $39.58 - $54.16 per hour. Upon obtaining a full licence, the rate of pay will be adjusted to the applicable Registered Nurse rate in accordance with AHS/UNA Article 25.02(b)(i) or (ii).

  • Classification: SN Registered Nurse NGT
  • Union: United Nurses of Alberta
  • Unit and Program: Medical Nursing Unit
  • Primary Location: Redwater Health Centre
  • Location Details: As Per Location
  • Multi-Site: At (UNA only)
  • FTE: 1.00
  • Posting End Date: 23-SEP-2026
  • Employee Class: Regular Full Time
  • Date Available: 05-OCT-2026
  • Hours per Shift: 11.08
  • Length of Shift in weeks: 12
  • Shifts per cycle: 40
  • Shift Pattern: Days, Nights
  • Days Off: As Per Rotation
  • Minimum Salary: $43.26
  • Maximum Salary: $59.21
  • Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable
Required Qualifications:

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP) certification. Eligibility is restricted to Graduate Nurses, Graduate Psychiatric Nurses, Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses who have graduated within 12 months prior to the anticipated start date of the program and who have not yet obtained a regular position with AHS, Covenant Health, or Recovery Alberta. Candidates selected for an interview must review the UNA Letter of Understanding #29 - Graduate Nurse Transition Pilot Program prior to the interview. For details, visit https://www.una.ca/collectiveagreements.

Additional Required Qualifications:

As required.

Preferred Qualifications:

As required.