Graduate Nurse - DEC 2026

Join Children's Mercy

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

Are you a student nurse graduating this fall or winter 2026 with a passion for pediatric care? Do you want to work for an organization that is committed to kindness and inclusion? Do you want to help children receive the best quality care? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Reminder: If you're graduating summer 2026, a separate job will open for those opportunities in the coming months!

What Will You Do: Registered nurses provide illness management and health promotion for patients and families who require care. Registered staff nurses utilize the nursing process and knowledge of scientific principles to provide safe, high quality, comprehensive, and age appropriate nursing care for their assigned patients. Registered staff nurses provide patient and family education and advocate for their needs. Registered nurses coordinate patient care with nonprofessional personnel as necessary.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes the nursing process to develop and implement a safe, high quality, comprehensive, and age-appropriate plan of care for the patient and family that promotes optimal patient outcomes.
• Meets the educational needs of the patient and family and advocates for their needs.
• Maintains an environment that is safe, comfortable, efficient, and family-centered.
• Utilizes current research and evidence for practice to expand personal professional knowledge, enhance role performance, and improve nursing care quality.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. If you are graduating with an Associate's degree you must obtain a Bachelor's degree in Nursing within 5 years of hire.
• RN Compact license for all states besides KS and MO
• Employees must obtain Registered Nurse Multistate License Kansas or equivalent within 90 days
• Employees must obtain Registered Nurse Multistate License Missouri or equivalent within 90 days
• Employees must obtain Licensed RN - Kansas or equivalent within 90 days
• Employees must obtain Licensed RN - MO or equivalent within 90 days
• Refer to Nursing and Advanced Practice Provider Licensure and Certification policy for required Life Support Certifications Required 90 Days
• Specialty Certification relevant to unit's patient population (determined by Nurse Manager/Director) Preferred 90 Days

Benefits at Children's Mercy

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Learn more about Children's Mercy benefits.

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $29.00/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation all are factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.