Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s major healthcare hubs, which makes it a strong city for registered nurse (RN) jobs at many different experience levels. Whether you’re a new grad just passing the NCLEX or an experienced RN relocating to Atlanta, you’ll find a wide mix of hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers hiring year-round.
Below is a clear, locally focused guide to RN job options in Atlanta, where to look, what employers expect, and how to navigate the local market.
Atlanta’s healthcare landscape is broad and growing. A few reasons the city is attractive for RNs:
For many nurses, this means steady demand, choices in specialty areas, and options for both full-time and per diem work.
While job openings change frequently, some of the most common Atlanta-area RN employers include:
These systems regularly hire for bedside nursing, OR, ICU, ED, step-down, med-surg, and more.
Emory Healthcare (multiple locations)
A major teaching system connected with Emory University. Facilities in and around Atlanta include:
RNs often find roles in cardiac, oncology, transplant, neuro, and ICU here.
Piedmont Healthcare (multiple locations)
Piedmont operates several hospitals in the metro area:
Common RN roles include med-surg, surgical services, ED, and telemetry.
Grady Health System
Grady is known as a Level I trauma center and a major safety-net and teaching hospital. RNs here often work in high-acuity emergency, trauma, burn, and critical care settings.
Wellstar Health System
Although headquartered outside the city center, Wellstar serves much of the Atlanta metro:
RNs can find roles in community hospital environments and specialty units across the system.
If you’re interested in pediatrics or specialized care, Atlanta offers several options:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)
CHOA is a major pediatric system. RN roles range from general pediatrics to NICU, PICU, oncology, cardiac, and urgent care.
Shepherd Center
A specialized hospital for spinal cord injury, brain injury, and neuromuscular conditions, offering RN positions in rehabilitation, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics.
Cancer, cardiac, and rehab centers in and around Atlanta also frequently hire RNs for infusion, radiation oncology support, cardiac rehab, and post-acute care.
Many RNs in Atlanta work outside of hospitals, including:
These roles often appeal to nurses who prefer more predictable schedules and less acute settings than large hospitals.
Nearly every major nursing specialty is represented somewhere in the Atlanta area. Some of the most common roles you’ll see posted:
To work as an RN in Atlanta, you must meet Georgia state requirements.
Most Atlanta employers require one of:
Some hospital systems in the city center strongly prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses, especially for specialty roles or leadership tracks. New ADN grads can often still find roles, especially in community hospitals, long-term care, and some outpatient settings, and may be encouraged to complete a BSN later.
Local options for nursing education around Atlanta include community colleges, technical colleges, and universities such as Georgia State University, Emory University, Clayton State University, and others.
To practice in Atlanta, you must be licensed by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Georgia Board of Nursing
2 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (844) 753-7825 (Georgia licensing call center)
Key steps generally include:
Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate RN license from another compact state and move to Atlanta, you can usually practice temporarily but will need to switch to a Georgia primary state license after establishing residency.
Specific requirements vary by role, but many Atlanta RN job postings ask for:
Many major hospital systems in Atlanta also look for:
Most large Atlanta employers post openings on their own career sites. Common search terms:
Checking these sites regularly is often the fastest way to see new jobs as they go live.
Many Atlanta nurses search on broader job boards or professional networking sites. You can:
These platforms can be useful for discovering home health, hospice, clinic, and case management openings that may not be as visible elsewhere.
Travel and contract nursing are common in metro areas like Atlanta. Agencies may offer:
When working with agencies, review:
Connections can help you hear about jobs before they’re widely posted. In Atlanta, this may include:
Attending job fairs hosted by Atlanta-area hospitals or nursing schools can also be a direct way to meet recruiters and discuss open roles.
If you’re a new graduate, Atlanta’s larger hospital systems and some specialty centers often offer structured nurse residency programs or new grad cohorts.
Common features:
Tips for new grads targeting Atlanta:
In Atlanta, RN schedules vary by employer and department, but common patterns include:
When comparing offers, consider:
Specific pay rates can change, but RNs in Atlanta often see:
Travel and agency contracts in Atlanta may offer higher hourly rates but less stability and fewer long-term benefits. Hospital-employed RNs may trade slightly lower hourly pay for:
One advantage of a large city like Atlanta is the ability to grow and pivot within your nursing career without moving.
Common pathways include:
Many Atlanta hospitals support continuing education, offer clinical ladder programs, and provide in-house training for RNs transitioning into new specialties.
Use these steps to streamline your search and improve your chances of landing a role:
Keep these ready to upload or provide:
Atlanta hiring managers commonly ask about:
If you’re relocating, be ready to explain why you’re choosing Atlanta and your timeline for moving and obtaining Georgia licensure.
In addition to employers, a few official and widely established resources can help you stay on track:
Georgia Board of Nursing (Licensing and Regulation)
2 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (844) 753-7825
Handles licensure, renewals, and scope of practice questions.
Georgia Nurses Association (Professional Organization)
Based in Georgia, this association offers networking, continuing education, and advocacy opportunities for RNs across the state, including those in Atlanta.
By focusing your search on Atlanta’s major hospitals, specialty centers, community clinics, and reputable agencies, and by keeping your Georgia RN license and certifications current, you can tap into a wide range of registered nurse job opportunities across the city and surrounding metro area.
