Graduate Nurse

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Nova Scotia; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Nova Scotia is seeking Graduate Nurses to join their team. The position provides an excellent opportunity for new nursing graduates to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Roles include utilizing critical thinking to deliver holistic care and participating in a mentorship program. The salary starts at $35.06 per hour with extensive benefits and the possibility of earning up to $40.55 with proof of active licensing. Join a diverse workforce committed to excellence in healthcare.

Benefits

Signing bonuses up to $10,000

Relocation assistance availability

Extensive health and dental benefits

Enrollment in the Provincial Pension Plan

Continuous clinical education and support

Qualifications

• Graduated within the last twelve months or upcoming twelve months.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Utilize nursing process and critical thinking for holistic care.
• Responsible for the coordination of nursing care.
• Contribute to efficient functioning of the unit/program.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to work in a high-stress environment

BLS Certificate (First Aid and CPR HCP level)

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Eligible for licensing with the Nova Scotia College of Nurses

Job description

Req ID: 208475

Various Sites and Community-based Locations Throughout Nova Scotia
Various Departments Services and Programs
Permanent, Full-Time
Union: Nursing

Recruitment Incentives

• Signing bonuses starting at $5,000 with potential for up to $10,000 for rural placements
• May be eligible for relocation assistance
• With a defined Return of Service Agreement

About The Opportunity

Nova Scotia Health is hiring the next generation in nursing. We will do this by hiring graduate nurses who will be completing studies in the next 12 months. Nova Scotia Health’s mission is to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning through working together. Nova Scotia Health will provide you with the challenge and opportunity you are looking for by entering the Nursing field.

The Graduate Nurse Will Be

• Utilizing nursing process, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills to provide holistic care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan
• Responsible for the overall coordination and direction of nursing care, and accountable for the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the plan of care to achieve patient/client outcomes
• Knowledgeable, skilled, and has the judgment needed to provide competent, evidence‑based nursing practice, and contributes to the efficient and effective functioning of the unit/program/specialty
• Responsible for maintaining and continually enhancing competencies through ongoing professional development including participation in education programs, research, and continuous quality activities
• Responsible to practice according to the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Graduate Nurses, the Nova Scotia College of Nursing Standards of Nursing Practice, specialty standards as applicable, and the policies and procedures of Nova Scotia Health
• Responsible and accountable for nursing practice and conduct as defined by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing and for ensuring that registration is current and valid

Nova Scotia Health has a New Nurse Mentorship Program that aims to create a supportive environment where undergraduate student nurses, newly‑licensed registered nurses, practical nurses, and Internationally Educated Nurses can process their experiences as they transition to practice. It provides counsel, camaraderie, and inclusion. Our group of Mentors are a dynamic group with years of nursing experience.

About You

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing within the last twelve months or coming twelve months (September 2025 to August 2026), and eligible for licensing with the Nova Scotia College of Nurses
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work in a high‑stress environment
• BLS Certificate (active First Aid and CPR at Health Care Provider (HCP) level)

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications. We would also appreciate if you include the units/programs of your previous clinical placements in order to better match you with available units. Every effort will be made to assign Graduate Nurses to their nursing areas of interest. Matching depends on position availability, the unit's capacity to accept Graduate Nurses and the date of application.

Hours

• Permanent full‑time position; 75 hours bi‑weekly.
• Shifts include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation And Benefits

• Graduate Nurse - $35.06 per hour
• Registered Nurse - Starting at $40.55 per hour after you provide proof of your active‑practicing license with the Nova Scotia College of Nurses
• Shift, weekend, degree and other premiums are provided on top of your hourly rate
• Competitive compensation - Nova Scotia Health offers one of the highest entry level hourly wage in Canada
• Extensive health and dental benefits
• Enrollment in the Provincial Pension Plan
• Premiums for completing Masters Degree in Nursing
• Variety of available shifts
• Continuous clinical education and support
• Opportunity for advancement within the organization

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. A Recruiter will reach out to you to explore whether your qualifications and skills match an opportunity.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self‑identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self‑identify.

If you have any questions or would like more information on our opportunities, programs, and communities, please contact us [e-mail]