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New Graduate Rn Jobs in Elizabethtown, KY (NOW HIRING)

Summary Seeking Registered Nurse for Cardiovascular Unit! Part Time, Nights (7p-7a - every 3rd ... New graduate nurses are encouraged to apply. The Cardiac Nurse assesses patient needs, implements ...

Summary Seeking Registered Nurse for Cardiovascular Unit! Part Time, Nights (7p-7a - every 3rd ... New graduate nurses are encouraged to apply. The Cardiac Nurse assesses patient needs, implements ...

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New Graduate Rn information

See Elizabethtown, KY salary details

$18

$40

$67

How much do new graduate rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for new graduate rn in Elizabethtown, KY is $40.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.91 and $47.64 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 Elizabethtown, KY are hiring for New Graduate Rn jobs?

Cities near Elizabethtown, KY with the most New Graduate Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various New Graduate Rn job openings in Elizabethtown, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,933 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

RN, PCU or ICU, Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, Day and Night Shift Opportunities

Uoflhealth

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Primary Location: Mary and Elizabeth - UMCAddress: 1850 Bluegrass Ave Louisville, KY 40215 Shift: Job Description Summary: UofL Health is looking for both experienced and new graduate RNs for our South Louisville community hospital - Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. Part- and Full-time available. Day and night shift available. Units hiring for RNs include:
* Cardiac PCU
* ICU/CCU
* Med Psych
* Neuro PCU
* Ortho PCU
UofL Health - Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is a 298-bed, full-service hospital which has served generations of patients in south Louisville. Originally founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1874, the hospital offers a full range of vascular, orthopedic, cardiac, neurological, surgical, rehabilitative and 24/7 emergency services including 24/7 STEMI service.
Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is home to UofL Health - Weight Loss Care, the region's only weight-loss management program utilizing the Lap-Band System. In addition, the hospital provides the Orbera gastric balloon procedure. The hospital has been recognized as one of the first health care facilities in the nation to receive a Blue Distinction Center for bariatric surgery.
UofL Health is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) fully integrated regional academic health system with nine hospitals, four medical centers, Brown Cancer Center, Eye Institute, more than 250 physician practice locations, and more than 1,200 providers in Louisville and the surrounding counties, including southern Indiana. UofL Health is focused on one mission: to transform the health of communities we serve through compassionate, innovative, patient-centered care.Job Description:

The Registered Nurse (Hospital-Based) is a competent registered nurse that will deliver nursing care to patients of varying age groups by utilizing the nursing process and nursing practice standards. The Registered Nurse (Hospital-Based) uses:

  • Nursing Practice Competencies to intervene to achieve safe, optimal patient and family centered care health outcomes;
  • Leadership Competencies to coordinate patient care and communicate with the care team;
  • Professional Profile Competencies to develop professionally as a life-long learner, and
  • Practice Outcomes Competencies to evaluate care based on evidence, the UofL Health quality model, and patient safety goals.

The Registered Nurse (Hospital-Based) demonstrates competency caring for complex patients and participates on the care team to improve the quality of care in the clinical area.

Essential Functions:

Under the supervision of a clinical nurse manager, this position will provide nursing care to patients, and:

  • Conducts systematic, continuous and comprehensive assessments of patient health status from admission or encounter to discharge across the care continuum to ensure patient safety, collaborating with the healthcare team, patient and family; care addresses all aspects of the individual and family, including age, gender, spiritual, cultural, physical, psychosocial and patient preferences and proactively uses safety surveillance to prevent adverse outcomes
  • Independently administers medications per licensure authority, assesses and reassesses the effects of these medications, and documents administration in a timely manner per policies, procedures and regulatory requirements; consistently adheres to patient safety guidelines regarding all aspects of medication administration
  • In collaboration with patient and family, plans care using current scientific knowledge, theory, and care standards within the nursing interventions and outcomes framework and national patient safety goals; constructs individualized, age-specific plans for optimal patient and family outcomes, as appropriate to the practice setting; incorporates data from the multi-disciplinary care team into the plan of care to assure continuity and appropriate patient teaching
  • In collaboration with patient and family, identifies and prioritizes patient problems based on subjective and objective assessment data, patient safety considerations, patient and family goals and preferences, and nursing interventions and the medical plan of care
  • Implements nursing care interventions to meet patient and family center health care needs. Demonstrates competent skills, appropriate clinical judgments and chain of command to promote patient safety and reach planned care goals and outcomes
  • Competently and consistently assesses, conducts and evaluates the outcomes of patient and family teaching, from admission, or episode of care, to discharge, teaching reflects sensitivity to age, learning needs and cultural background
  • Evaluates care by performing regular and systematic reviews of patient /family responses to interventions; revises the multi-disciplinary plan of care in collaboration with other care Team members to promote desired outcomes; recognizes care variances and takes steps to prevent or intervene with potential or real adverse events to promote safe care
  • Serves as an advocate for the patient and family, demonstrates respect for their rights, responsibilities, and sensitivity to their preferences; prepares the patient and family for discharge; obtains feedback to promote positive patient satisfaction outcomes
  • Works collaboratively, with appropriate monitoring and delegation, with unlicensed assistive healthcare providers, per regulatory and legal requirements, assuring safe patient care delivery

Other Functions:

  • Demonstrates professional conduct and appearance and is accountable for actions and outcomes
  • Orients new members of the healthcare team as well as supervises students in the performance of assigned duties
  • May act in the role of relief charge nurse when the unit need arises
  • Maintains professional competency through continuing education, ongoing competency demonstration, licensure and professional activities; demonstrates valuing life-long learning
  • Participates in evidence-based practice activities, such as journal clubs, and discusses outcomes of care with colleagues, demonstrating knowledge of care indicators; takes steps to improve care delivery by self and team and remains up-to-date with compliance, regulatory and accreditation standards
  • Actively participates as a collaborative member of the healthcare team by communicating constructively using core behavioral standards. Identifies clinical and interdepartmental problems, resolving conflicts appropriately on behalf of the care team and patients; demonstrates ability to give and receive peer review and feedback, incorporating this into his or her practice
  • Performs duties in a cost-effective manner, striving to avoid wasting hospital resources without jeopardizing quality of care and service
  • Maintains compliance with all company policies, procedures and standards of conduct
  • Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Job Description:

Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program is (required)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program (preferred)

Experience:

  • All new RN graduates will participate in the Nurse Residency program and must successfully complete all activities (required)
  • Two years of hospital patient care experience (preferred)

Licensure:

  • Current KY RN licensure or compact license with privileges to work in Kentucky (required)

Certification:

  • Basic Life Saving (BLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) (required)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) (may be required for specific clinical areas)

Note: additional, specialized certifications may be required or preferred based on unit