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New Graduate Rn Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

RN - Acute Care Teaching Unit

Athens, GA · On-site

$38.50 - $50.75/hr

New graduate nurses complete the first part of their orientation on this dedicated unit with ... Current License in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or NLC/eNLC Multistate License. BLS ...

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New Graduate Rn information

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$19

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How much do new graduate rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for new graduate rn in Athens, GA is $42.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.50 and $50.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new graduate RN?

New Graduate RNs are registered nurses who have recently completed their nursing education and passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. They are in the early stages of their nursing careers and often participate in residency or orientation programs to transition from student to professional nurse. These positions provide new graduates with structured support, mentorship, and hands-on experience as they develop confidence and competence in different clinical settings.

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

To thrive as a New Graduate RN, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and a solid grasp of clinical fundamentals such as patient assessment and care planning. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), medication administration systems, and basic clinical equipment is typically required. Strong soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork help new nurses transition smoothly and build rapport with patients and colleagues. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering safe, effective patient care and integrating successfully into healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges faced by new graduate RNs during their transition into a clinical setting?

New graduate RNs often face challenges such as managing a full patient load for the first time, adapting to fast-paced environments, and building confidence in their clinical decision-making skills. Balancing multiple priorities, communicating effectively with interdisciplinary teams, and learning hospital protocols can also be demanding. Many hospitals offer residency programs, mentorship, and ongoing training to help new grads adjust and succeed in these areas.

What is the difference between New Graduate Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectNew Graduate RnRegistered Nurse
CredentialsState-specific RN license, possibly NCLEX completionLicensed RN with experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level hospital, clinic, or long-term careVaries from entry-level to experienced roles in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities hiring new gradsBroader roles including specialized and experienced positions

The main difference is that a New Graduate Rn is an entry-level nurse just starting their career, typically with a recent license, while a Registered Nurse refers to any licensed nurse with varying levels of experience. New grads often work under supervision and are in the process of gaining hands-on experience, whereas RNs with experience may hold more responsibilities and specialized roles.

How do new graduate RNs get hired?

New graduate RNs typically get hired by applying to hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities through online job portals or career fairs. They often need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, obtain state licensure, and demonstrate clinical skills and a strong academic record during the hiring process.

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 also pursue specialty certifications, gain experience in different departments, and develop skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and documentation. Licensing requirements typically include passing the NCLEX-RN exam and obtaining state licensure.

What career paths are open to new graduate RNs?

New graduate RNs can pursue various career paths including hospital bedside nursing, outpatient clinics, long-term care, home health, public health, and specialized fields such as pediatrics, critical care, or emergency nursing. They can also advance into roles like nurse educator, case manager, or pursue certifications to specialize further. Entry-level positions often require passing the NCLEX exam and obtaining state licensure.

Why can't I find a job as a new graduate registered nurse?

New graduate registered nurses often face challenges finding jobs due to high competition, limited entry-level positions, and the need for relevant clinical experience or certifications. Many employers prefer candidates with some practical experience or specialized skills, which can make the job search more competitive for new graduates.

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for New Graduate Rn jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most New Graduate Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various New Graduate Rn job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,341 per year, or $43 per hour.

RN - Nurse Residency Unit Preceptor, Nights

Piedmont Healthcare Inc.

Athens, GA

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Piedmont Healthcare rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 467 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

ATHENS, GA

Med Surg 6: Nurse Residency Preceptor RN

Part time Nights 7am-7pm

Sign-on Bonus Available $

The 20-bed Nurse Residency Unit (NRU) serves 7 med/surg units by onboarding three cohorts of new graduate nurses each year. New graduate nurses complete the first part of their orientation on this dedicated unit with experienced preceptors, which provides new nurses with a solid clinical foundation prior to moving to their assigned home unit.  The Nurse Residency Unit creates a safe learning environment to assist in developing competent, highly-skilled nurses. Our dedicated preceptors, leadership team and Nurse Residency Coordinator provide unparalleled support to nurse residents during orientation and transition to practice.

In the state-of-the-art new Main Tower, the NRU nurse provides high-quality nursing care to acute care patients utilizing nursing processes to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care of patients. He/she functions within the framework of the policies and procedures of the organization and demonstrates professional growth and accountability. The NRU nurse is responsible for maintaining standards of practice, coordinating patient care activities of all assigned staff in the provision of quality nursing care.

Responsibilities

The staff nurse provides nursing care to patients from birth through the lifecycle utilizing nursing processes to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the care for patients. He/she functions within the framework of the policies and procedures of the organization and demonstrates professional growth and accountability. The staff nurse is responsible for maintaining standards of practice, coordinating patient care activities of all assigned staff in the provision of quality nursing care.

*Patient ratios are determined by various factors, including volume and acuity of patient needs.   Extenuating circumstances may determine a need for lower or higher ratios*

QualificationsEducation
  • Graduate from a recognized, accredited school of nursing Required
  • Bachelor's Degree Preferred
Work Experience
  • No experience required New Graduates of a nursing program eligible Required
  • Nursing Experience in Hospital Setting Preferred
  • 1 year in a hospital setting for PRN positions Preferred
Licenses and Certifications
  • RN - Registered Nurse - Georgia State Licensure and/or NLC/eNCL Multistate Licensure Current License in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or NLC/eNLC Multistate License. Required and
  • BCLS - Basic Life Support Required
  • Advanced certification in field of specialty, if applicable (see addendum)
Addendum
  • Cardiac Tele:Additional Required Certifications:ACLS Certification - (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date) within 180 Days Required
  • Critical Care:Additional Required Certifications:ACLS Certification - (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date) within 180 Days Required
  • Dialysis:Additional Required Certifications:CDN (Certified Dialysis Certificate) preferred Preferred
  • Emergency Department:Additional Required Certifications:ACLS and PALS Certification - (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date)Experienced Emergency Department nurses will have 6 months to obtain the PALS certification. within 180 Days Required
  • Infusion/Oncology:Additional Required Certifications:Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Certification - prior to independent chemotherapy administration Upon Hire Required
  • Pediatrics:Identifies, reports and provides appropriate protective measures for high risk situations including, but not limited to, abuse or neglect, failure to thrive and potential for abduction.Additional Required Certifications:PALS Certification - required at Piedmont Columbus Hospital (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date)PEARS or PALS Certification - required at Piedmont Athens Hospital (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date) within 180 Days Required
  • Surgical Services:Additional Required Certifications:PreOp/PACU/ENDO/CSU - ACLS; PALS if unit provides care to pediatric patients (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date)OR - BLS required only within 180 Days Required
  • Women's Services:Additional Required Certifications:Labor and Delivery-ACLS Certification - (Nurse Residents or nurses new to specialty will complete applicable certifications within 6 months of start date) NRP by the end of orientation period, AWHONN Intermediate Fetal Monitoring Program within 12 months of start dateMother/Baby- NRP by the end of orientation periodNICU- NRP by the end of orientation periodNAT (Newborn Admission Team)- NRP by the end of orientation periodNursery- NRP by the end of orientation period within 180 Days Required
Business Unit : Company NamePiedmont Athens Regional HospitalEmployment Type: PART_TIME

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