Graduate Nurse Jobs in California
Graduate Nurse jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in hospital systems, academic medical centers, and large integrated health networks serving one of the most densely populated states in the nation. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and UCSF Health maintain large graduate nurse pipelines across acute care, med-surg, and critical care units. New graduate residency programs and transition-to-practice pathways are widely available at major California systems, giving entry-level candidates a structured route into clinical roles. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The County of Riverside's Riverside University Health System, (RUHS), is currently recruiting for a New Graduate Registered Nurse to work in the Obstetrics Acute Unit, (regular, full-time position). The essential duties of this position includes, but are not limited to, providing safe, compassionate postpartum and newborn nursing care, including patient assessments, education, breastfeeding support, and collaboration with the healthcare team to promote recovery and family-centered care.
Required Licenses & Certifications
- A current and valid Registered Nurse license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of California.
- A current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
- A current and valid Neonatal Resuscitation Program, (NRP), certification issued by the American Heart Association.
Additional Information
- Work Schedule: 3/12, Day Shift, Every other weekend
Salary Range (Hourly) & Differentials
- Registered Nurse I - MC/CHC - $42.4708 - $59.4772
Meet the Team!
At Riverside University Health System Medical Center, nursing is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant and diverse community. Nationally recognized for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to patient care, RUHS Medical Center is also a proud teaching hospital and one of the top employers in the region.
Our 439-bed facility is a designated Level I Trauma Center, Primary Stroke Center, and home to the region’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Here, you’ll gain valuable experience across a wide range of specialties, including trauma care, stroke, pediatrics, and critical care.
We are committed to your professional growth, offering continuous education, training, and career development programs in a collaborative, supportive, and rewarding environment. Whether you’re an experienced nurse or just starting your career, RUHS Medical Center provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
Could you see yourself making a difference here? Discover more about RUHS Medical Center at www.ruhealth.org.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Assess, plan organize, and provide nursing care to assigned patients in accordance with physician instructions; make preliminary observations of patients and prepare patients for medical treatment.
• Assist physicians in administering treatments and in performing medical examinations, diagnostic test and surgical operations.
• Administer or dispense prescribed treatment and medications to patients as directed; chart treatment and dispensing to patients; record and report significant changes in condition and general progress of patients.
• Counsel and advise patients, families and significant others regarding special medical problems and/or proper healthcare methods; prepare and maintain concise and complete records and reports.
• Instruct patients in carrying out physician's orders; transcribe physician's orders to working records.
• Participate in quality assurance reviews; act as a team leader.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Registered Nurse I - MC/CHC
Education: Successful completion of the education required to obtain a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California. (A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nursing or a health-related field may be required for some positions.)
Experience: None required.
Knowledge of: The theory, techniques and practices of professional nursing; common medical terminology; hospital and/or healthcare procedures and equipment; the purposes and effects of medicine and narcotics.
Ability to: Skillfully perform the full range of nursing duties and responsibilities; follow oral and written procedures; maintain concise and complete records and reports; plan and organize nursing plans; establish and maintain effective relationships with physicians, patients, and co-workers.
Other Requirements
License/Certificate: Must possess and maintain a current valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
Possession and maintenance of a current valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate issued by the American Heart Association.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Status
How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to www.GovernmentJobs.com, click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on “Applications & Status.”
Sign Up for Job Alerts
Go to www.RC-HR.com, click on “Careers,” click on “County Job Openings,” and click on “Subscribe to Job Alerts” icon.
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Contact Jasmine Watts at (951) 955-2769 orjwatts@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability
Schedule, Overtime, Standby/On-Call, and Travel Obligations
The County of Riverside offers a variety of alternative work schedules, dependent upon department operations and needs. Certain assignments may involve overtime, standby/on-call shifts, and/or travel; however, scheduling, shift assignments, overtime work, standby/on-call duty, and travel obligations are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding the schedule, overtime and standby/on-call expectations, and travel obligations.
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
See All 9 Graduate Nurse Jobs in California
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Find Graduate Nurse JobsGraduate Nurse Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Graduate Nurse Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in graduate nurse jobs across California.
- Active California Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Completion of an accredited associate or bachelor of science in nursing program
- Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association
- ACLS certification required or expected within a defined period of hire
- Demonstrated clinical experience through nursing school rotations in an acute care setting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary care team collaboration
Graduate Nurse Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a graduate nurse in California?
To become a graduate nurse in California, you must complete an accredited nursing program, either an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing, then pass the NCLEX-RN examination and apply for licensure through the California Board of Registered Nursing. The BRN issues your California RN license, which is required before you can practice. Many California hospital systems hire candidates who have applied for licensure but are awaiting results under a temporary license arrangement.
Which companies hire graduate nurses in California?
Employers hiring graduate nurses in California right now include Kaiser Permanente, County of Riverside, and Sutter Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large integrated health systems and academic medical centers run structured new-graduate residency programs that recruit year-round, making them consistent sources of entry-level RN openings.
Which California cities have the most graduate nurse jobs?
Anaheim, Moreno Valley, and Downey have the most graduate nurse openings in California. Los Angeles anchors the list because of its concentration of major hospital systems, trauma centers, and county health facilities, while San Francisco draws strong demand from academic medical centers and specialty hospitals, and San Diego's military medical infrastructure and large regional health networks add consistent volume in the south.
How can I get hired as a graduate nurse in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate nurse residency programs, which large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Sutter Health run as structured cohort programs specifically designed for nurses with no post-licensure experience. These programs last roughly one year and place residents in acute care, med-surg, or critical care units. Candidates who hold an active California BRN license, have completed clinical rotations at a recognized California hospital, and can document ACLS certification stand out in competitive residency application cycles.
Where can I find and apply to graduate nurse jobs in California?
You can find and apply to graduate nurse jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your clinical background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit. No sign-up is needed to see the openings.
See All 9 Graduate Nurse Jobs in California
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