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Graduate Practical Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lutheran SeniorLife

Graduate Practical Nurse GPN

Mars, PA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Overview Graduate Practical Nurse GPN Mars, PA - Full time - Shift Varies Graduate Practice Nurse rates starting $23.50 per hour. Lutheran SeniorLife provides a comprehensive array of community-based ...

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How much do graduate practical nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate practical nurse in the United States is $29.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate practical nurse?

A Graduate Practical Nurse (GPN) is an individual who has completed the educational requirements of a practical nursing program but has not yet passed the licensing exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). GPNs are typically allowed to work under the supervision of licensed nurses for a limited period, depending on state regulations, until they successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Their duties are similar to those of LPNs, including providing basic patient care, monitoring health conditions, and assisting with daily living activities. However, the scope of practice and independence of a GPN may be more limited than that of a fully licensed LPN. It's important for GPNs to understand their state's rules regarding their practice status.

What is a graduate practical nurse?

A graduate practical nurse has just graduated from a nursing program but has yet to be formally licensed as a practical nurse. As a graduate practical nurse, you typically work at a health care facility under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Your job duties include monitoring patients, providing support to the RNs with daily responsibilities. This position allows you to gain hands-on experience in the field while studying for your nursing exams. The qualifications to become a graduate practical nurse include a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate practical nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Practical Nurse, you need foundational nursing knowledge, clinical skills, and graduation from an accredited practical nursing program, along with eligibility for licensure as an LPN or LVN. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), basic medical equipment, and medication administration systems is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for patient care and collaboration with healthcare teams. These competencies ensure safe, effective nursing care and support the transition from education to professional practice.

What types of support and mentorship can a graduate practical nurse expect during their transition into the workforce?

As a Graduate Practical Nurse, you can typically expect to receive structured orientation programs and ongoing mentorship from experienced nurses and supervisors. Many healthcare facilities pair new graduates with a preceptor who provides hands-on guidance, answers questions, and helps you become comfortable with clinical procedures and documentation standards. Peer support groups, regular check-ins with nurse managers, and access to continuing education resources are also common. This supportive environment is designed to ease the transition from student to practicing nurse and promote professional growth.

What is the difference between Graduate Practical Nurse vs Licensed Practical Nurse?

AspectGraduate Practical NurseLicensed Practical Nurse
CredentialsCompletion of practical nursing program, eligible for licensing examMust pass licensing exam to obtain license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOften used during training; may work under supervisionLicensed to work independently within scope
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Graduate Practical Nurses have completed their training and are eligible to take the licensing exam, but may still be gaining experience. Licensed Practical Nurses have passed the exam and are fully licensed to work independently within their scope of practice. Both roles work in similar healthcare settings, but licensing status distinguishes their level of independence and experience.

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Graduate Practical Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Practical Nurse job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,140 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

GPN (Graduate Practical Nurse) FULL TIME

Nashville, TN

Nashville Center For Rehabilitation and Healing
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Nashville Center For Rehabilitation and Healingexternal

$25 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

TCAT LPN Graduates

Thanks for reaching out!  T.C.A 63-7-110 (d) (1) (states:

(1) Notwithstanding a law to the contrary, a graduate practical nurse may engage in the practice of practical nursing without a license for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the date of receipt of the first authorization to take the NCLEX-PN examination if:

(A) The graduate practical nurse's practice occurs in a healthcare institution licensed under title 33 or 68, or an affiliate of the institution;

(B) The graduate practical nurse is at all times working under the supervision of an individual licensed in this state to practice as a professional or registered nurse. The graduate practical nurse shall provide the healthcare institution or affiliate of the institution in which the nurse is practicing with the following:

(i) Proof of the first authorization to take the NCLEX-PN examination; and

(ii) Proof of graduation from an approved school of nursing within the previous ninety (90) days;

(C) The supervising individual described in subdivision (d)(1)(B) is limited to supervising no more than one (1) graduate practical nurse at a time; and

(D) The graduate practical nurse is prohibited from:

(i) Being deemed a licensed practical nurse pursuant to this section; and

(ii) Using another title or identifying as anything but a “graduate practical nurse” in a clinical setting.

(2) As used in this subsection (d):

(A) “Graduate practical nurse” means an individual who:

(i) Holds a diploma or degree from an approved school of nursing that entitles the individual to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination; and

(ii) Has received authorization to take the NCLEX-PN examination;

(B) “NCLEX-PN” means the national council licensure examination for practical nurses; and

(C) “Supervision” means that the graduate practical nurse's supervising individual is located in the same unit as the graduate practical nurse when the graduate practical nurse is performing duties pursuant to this subsection (d).

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