Entry Level CNS Jobs
New grad cns jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or hands-on clinical training can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and Education, with employers like OU Health, Otsuka, and Cleveland Clinic hiring at this level now.
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Nationally certified Advanced Practice Provider who provides primary and/or specialty care in a variety of healthcare settings. Functions in collaboration with the health care team in accordance with certification and licensure. Practice emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. Responsible for dissemination of knowledge through instructing, leading and developing educational programs.
Responsibilities:
Conducts thorough medical histories, performs complete physical examinations (where indicated), initiates appropriate lab, radiology tests or other special tests required for evaluation of illness, and scrutinizes lab data to establish a record of the patient's current health status and to develop a working diagnosis and treatment plan. Works in collaboration with the health care team.
Performs and interprets common laboratory, radiologic, cardiographic and other routine diagnostic procedures used to identify pathophysiologic processes as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
Performs routine and specialized procedures as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
May prescribe and monitor medications as allowed by license through applicable state board and Cleveland Clinic policies.
Educates patients and answers questions regarding their disease, treatments, related drug and treatment side effects and hazards.
Participates in medical team rounds; collaborates with nursing, medical and other healthcare team members regularly to ensure quality patient care.
Refers patients to specialists as appropriate for consultation or for specialized health resources and treatment.
Ensures continuity of care by serving as a liaison between patient and other members of the multi-disciplinary care team or with other specialty areas as necessary.
Participates in quality monitoring thru the review of records and treatment plans for patient outcomes on a periodic basis to assure quality care.
Facilitates appropriate length of stay, discharge planning and compliance with regulatory standards for inpatient management.
Supports professional development of the health care team.
Promotes translation of evidence-based practices, guidelines, and research.
May conduct research studies. May assists in data collection and analysis.
May serve as clinical preceptor for students. May onboard new caregivers.
Other duties as assigned.
Languages:
Oral and written communication in English
Education:
APRN
Effective 05/01/2014: MSN required upon hire or within 3 years of hire for external hires and internal hires moving from a non-APRN licensed role to an APRN licensed role.
Graduate of an accredited APRN program.
If in neonatal care service area Master’s Degree is required upon hire.
PA
Graduate of an A.R.C. approved Physician Assistant Program.
Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and/or higher degree obtained from a program recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
Certifications:
NP
Currently licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in applicable state(s).
Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
National certification as a Nurse Practitioner by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
PA
Certification as a Physician Assistant through the NCCPA or successor organization recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
License to practice and prescribe issued by their practicing states Licensing Board.
Current DEA License or DEA designee as required by NCQA.
Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American Heart Association may be required based upon work setting.
If a candidate has held a license to prescribe within another jurisdiction and needs to obtain a master's degree in order to apply for prescribing privileges the candidate will be subject for review for eligibility for hiring within our system.
Must have a Physician Supervision Agreement and signed addendum to Physician Supervision Agreement.
Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
CNS
Currently licensed as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in applicable state(s).
Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
National certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals
Complexity of Work:
Excellent analytical and decision-making skills are required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrated competency and the ability to perform advanced assessment and diagnosis.
Demonstrated ability to utilize the electronic medical record.
Demonstrates a high standard of moral and ethical behavior.
Demonstrates compassion and professionalism and a commitment to excellent patient care.
Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work independently.
Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
Work Experience:
Related clinical experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Typical physical demands include the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
Manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform physical examinations.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to a normal range.
Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
May require exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
Pay Range
Minimum hourly: $70.00
Maximum hourly: $70.00
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. Actual compensation may be higher or lower than the standard range, depending on factors such as job responsibilities, relevant experience, skills, scheduling requirements, education, and area of licensure. Please note, the displayed pay range does not include additional pay practices or the value of Cleveland Clinic's comprehensive benefits package (including healthcare, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings contributions, and more). The listed range is based on a full-time (1.0 FTE) with the exception of PRN positions, which have an hourly rate based on the position type.
Nationally certified Advanced Practice Provider who provides primary and/or specialty care in a variety of healthcare settings. Functions in collaboration with the health care team in accordance with certification and licensure. Practice emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. Responsible for dissemination of knowledge through instructing, leading and developing educational programs.
Responsibilities:
Conducts thorough medical histories, performs complete physical examinations (where indicated), initiates appropriate lab, radiology tests or other special tests required for evaluation of illness, and scrutinizes lab data to establish a record of the patient's current health status and to develop a working diagnosis and treatment plan. Works in collaboration with the health care team.
Performs and interprets common laboratory, radiologic, cardiographic and other routine diagnostic procedures used to identify pathophysiologic processes as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
Performs routine and specialized procedures as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
May prescribe and monitor medications as allowed by license through applicable state board and Cleveland Clinic policies.
Educates patients and answers questions regarding their disease, treatments, related drug and treatment side effects and hazards.
Participates in medical team rounds; collaborates with nursing, medical and other healthcare team members regularly to ensure quality patient care.
Refers patients to specialists as appropriate for consultation or for specialized health resources and treatment.
Ensures continuity of care by serving as a liaison between patient and other members of the multi-disciplinary care team or with other specialty areas as necessary.
Participates in quality monitoring thru the review of records and treatment plans for patient outcomes on a periodic basis to assure quality care.
Facilitates appropriate length of stay, discharge planning and compliance with regulatory standards for inpatient management.
Supports professional development of the health care team.
Promotes translation of evidence-based practices, guidelines, and research.
May conduct research studies. May assists in data collection and analysis.
May serve as clinical preceptor for students. May onboard new caregivers.
Other duties as assigned.
Languages:
Oral and written communication in English
Education:
APRN
Effective 05/01/2014: MSN required upon hire or within 3 years of hire for external hires and internal hires moving from a non-APRN licensed role to an APRN licensed role.
Graduate of an accredited APRN program.
If in neonatal care service area Master’s Degree is required upon hire.
PA
Graduate of an A.R.C. approved Physician Assistant Program.
Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and/or higher degree obtained from a program recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
Certifications:
NP
Currently licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in applicable state(s).
Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
National certification as a Nurse Practitioner by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
PA
Certification as a Physician Assistant through the NCCPA or successor organization recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
License to practice and prescribe issued by their practicing states Licensing Board.
Current DEA License or DEA designee as required by NCQA.
Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American Heart Association may be required based upon work setting.
If a candidate has held a license to prescribe within another jurisdiction and needs to obtain a master's degree in order to apply for prescribing privileges the candidate will be subject for review for eligibility for hiring within our system.
Must have a Physician Supervision Agreement and signed addendum to Physician Supervision Agreement.
Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
CNS
Currently licensed as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in applicable state(s).
Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
National certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals
Complexity of Work:
Excellent analytical and decision-making skills are required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrated competency and the ability to perform advanced assessment and diagnosis.
Demonstrated ability to utilize the electronic medical record.
Demonstrates a high standard of moral and ethical behavior.
Demonstrates compassion and professionalism and a commitment to excellent patient care.
Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work independently.
Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
Work Experience:
Related clinical experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Typical physical demands include the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
Manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform physical examinations.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to a normal range.
Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
May require exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
Pay Range
Minimum hourly: $70.00
Maximum hourly: $70.00
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. Actual compensation may be higher or lower than the standard range, depending on factors such as job responsibilities, relevant experience, skills, scheduling requirements, education, and area of licensure. Please note, the displayed pay range does not include additional pay practices or the value of Cleveland Clinic's comprehensive benefits package (including healthcare, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings contributions, and more). The listed range is based on a full-time (1.0 FTE) with the exception of PRN positions, which have an hourly rate based on the position type.
See All 27 Entry Level CNS Jobs
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Find Entry Level CNS JobsEntry Level CNS Job Market
Who's Hiring
- OU Health19
- Otsuka3
- Cleveland Clinic2
- Aurora Health Care1
- Bronson Healthcare1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services23
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
- Education1
Entry Level CNS Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level cns job?
Start by completing a graduate nursing program with a clinical nurse specialist concentration, then pursue CNS certification in your chosen population focus. Entry level employers look for clinical rotation experience, strong preceptor evaluations, and familiarity with evidence-based practice protocols. Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on patient care hours and a willingness to pursue board certification stand out in the applicant pool at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level cnss?
Companies hiring entry level cnss right now include OU Health, Otsuka, and Cleveland Clinic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Health systems, academic medical centers, and large regional hospitals tend to drive the most new-grad cns hiring, often through structured residency or fellowship programs designed for candidates transitioning directly from graduate school.
Are there remote entry level cns jobs?
Yes, though most entry level cns roles are on-site given the clinical nature of the work. About 9% of entry level cns openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions typically involve care coordination, telephonic case management, utilization review, or health education rather than direct bedside practice.
Are these new grad cns jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad cns jobs that explicitly welcome recent graduates, junior applicants, and candidates with no prior post-licensure experience. A new-grad-friendly posting typically states that zero to two years of experience is acceptable, counts graduate internships or supervised clinical hours toward qualifications, or offers a structured orientation program for candidates coming straight out of school.
Which industries hire the most entry level cnss?
Entry Level cns roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors hire at the entry level because they operate high patient volumes, maintain ongoing needs for specialized clinical expertise, and often fund graduate education partnerships that create a direct pipeline from nursing programs into open positions.