OPT RN Staff Nurse Jobs
RN Staff Nurse roles are among the most consistently sponsored positions for OPT students with nursing degrees. Hospitals and health systems routinely file H-1B visa petitions for registered nurses, making this one of the stronger pathways from OPT to long-term work authorization. Clinical experience during your OPT period strengthens both your resume and your sponsorship case.
Find OPT RN Staff Nurse JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 548+ RN Staff Nurse jobs
See all 548+ RN Staff Nurse Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new RN Staff Nurse roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Staff Nurse (RN)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Nursing
Department UBHC - Emergency Screening Pis
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Staff Nurse for the Inpatient Units within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The primary purpose of the Staff Nurse is to deliver person centered goal directed nursing care in alignment with the departmental and hospital policies and procedures and all regulatory requirements. The staff nurse functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team; participates in quality improvement activities, educational activities, and supports research endeavors. The role is consistent with the scope and standards outlined in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Assesses and diagnoses patient, family and significant other needs in order to provide quality care to assigned patients.
- Incorporates specific assessment of bio/psycho/social/sexual/spiritual status at the time of admission and throughout care; compares to age norms as one indicator of health, actual or potential deviations from health, and individualized need for nursing intervention.
- Develops, discusses and communicates a realistic, individualized plan of care for each patient, in collaboration with the patient, family and significant other in an effort to promote wellness and recovery.
- Assures that learning needs of the client, family and significant other are included in the plan of care.
- Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to implement the plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures as necessary for the care and safety of the patient.
- Evaluates identified problems and care provided and the patient’s responses are reassessed in order to meet the patient and family/significant other needs to ensure overall quality of care delivered.
- Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all individuals served, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 01D
Salary Details 106550.64
Minimum Salary 37.230
Mid Range Salary 46.540
Maximum Salary 54.050
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours 40
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description HPAE 5089
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Graduation from a state accredited school of nursing.
Certifications/Licenses
- Current License as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- The ability to provide psychiatric nursing.
- Ability to relate to patients.
- Ability to use the nursing process.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Ability to direct non-professional staff and the ability to request help as needed.
- Demonstrate strong clinical nursing specialty.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Must be PC literate with proficiency in word processing.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking 2/3 of the time, requires sitting 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time. Manual dexterity and intermittent physical exertion when performing job activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, both medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST2126
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City Piscataway
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Have you graduated from a state accredited school of nursing?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have a current License as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Staff Nurse (RN)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Nursing
Department UBHC - Emergency Screening Pis
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Staff Nurse for the Inpatient Units within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The primary purpose of the Staff Nurse is to deliver person centered goal directed nursing care in alignment with the departmental and hospital policies and procedures and all regulatory requirements. The staff nurse functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team; participates in quality improvement activities, educational activities, and supports research endeavors. The role is consistent with the scope and standards outlined in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Assesses and diagnoses patient, family and significant other needs in order to provide quality care to assigned patients.
- Incorporates specific assessment of bio/psycho/social/sexual/spiritual status at the time of admission and throughout care; compares to age norms as one indicator of health, actual or potential deviations from health, and individualized need for nursing intervention.
- Develops, discusses and communicates a realistic, individualized plan of care for each patient, in collaboration with the patient, family and significant other in an effort to promote wellness and recovery.
- Assures that learning needs of the client, family and significant other are included in the plan of care.
- Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to implement the plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures as necessary for the care and safety of the patient.
- Evaluates identified problems and care provided and the patient’s responses are reassessed in order to meet the patient and family/significant other needs to ensure overall quality of care delivered.
- Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all individuals served, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 01D
Salary Details 106550.64
Minimum Salary 37.230
Mid Range Salary 46.540
Maximum Salary 54.050
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours 40
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description HPAE 5089
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Graduation from a state accredited school of nursing.
Certifications/Licenses
- Current License as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- The ability to provide psychiatric nursing.
- Ability to relate to patients.
- Ability to use the nursing process.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Ability to direct non-professional staff and the ability to request help as needed.
- Demonstrate strong clinical nursing specialty.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Must be PC literate with proficiency in word processing.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking 2/3 of the time, requires sitting 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time. Manual dexterity and intermittent physical exertion when performing job activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, both medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST2126
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City Piscataway
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Have you graduated from a state accredited school of nursing?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have a current License as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
See all 548+ OPT RN Staff Nurse Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT RN Staff Nurse Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a RN Staff Nurse
Target large hospital systems first
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers have established immigration teams and sponsor H-1B visas regularly. They're more likely to have a process in place than smaller clinics or outpatient facilities, which reduces friction when you ask about sponsorship.
Get your NCLEX and state license before you apply
Most employers won't start OPT paperwork until you hold an active RN license in their state. Passing NCLEX and completing state licensure before job hunting removes a major barrier and signals you're ready to work immediately.
Ask about sponsorship during the offer stage, not after
Raise H-1B sponsorship during offer negotiations, not after you've accepted. Asking early gives both sides time to confirm the employer's willingness and allows their legal team to assess your timeline against your OPT expiration date.
Track your OPT end date against the H-1B cap deadline
H-1B cap-season registrations open in March for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October 1, you'll need a cap-gap extension or a different strategy. Map your OPT end date against this timeline before accepting any offer.
Highlight specialty certifications to stand out
Certifications like BLS, ACLS, or specialty credentials in ICU, ER, or labor and delivery make you more competitive. Employers sponsoring visas want candidates who reduce training costs, and specialty-ready nurses demonstrate immediate clinical value.
Prioritize employers with a history of nursing sponsorship
Not every hospital that hires nurses will sponsor visas. Search for employers with documented H-1B filing histories for RN roles, and focus your applications there. Migrate Mate surfaces OPT-friendly employers so you're not guessing.
RN Staff Nurse OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an RN Staff Nurse on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students who have completed a nursing degree and hold an active state RN license can work as an RN Staff Nurse on OPT. Your OPT must be in a field directly related to your degree, and nursing roles from an accredited nursing program meet that requirement. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization.
Do RN Staff Nurse jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Nursing degrees are generally not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, which means most RN Staff Nurse positions do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. If your degree was in a STEM-adjacent field such as biomedical informatics or health informatics, check your specific CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before assuming you qualify.
How do I find RN Staff Nurse employers who sponsor OPT students?
The most efficient approach is to focus on employers with a documented history of sponsoring nurses for H-1B visas. Migrate Mate curates a job board specifically for OPT students, making it easier to identify nursing employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates rather than filtering through postings that won't lead anywhere.
What happens to my OPT if I switch hospitals as an RN?
You can change employers during OPT as long as the new role is directly related to your nursing degree. You must report the change to your DSO within 10 days through your school's SEVIS reporting system. There's no formal USCIS approval needed to switch, but your new employer will need to verify your OPT Employment Authorization Document before you start.
Will hospitals sponsor an H-1B visa for RN Staff Nurses?
Many large hospital systems and academic medical centers do sponsor H-1B visas for registered nurses, though it varies significantly by employer size and staffing needs. Nursing qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B requirements because the role typically requires at minimum a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Smaller outpatient clinics are less likely to sponsor, so targeting larger health systems improves your odds considerably.