Considering a nursing career in Georgia? Here's everything you need to know about being a nurse in the Peach State.
Why Work In Georgia?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area enjoy some of the highest employment levels in the nation.
Although Georgia nurses earn a moderate salary compared to other states, the cost of living is among the lowest in the U.S.
Apart from the job market for nurses, Georgia is known for its safe neighborhoods, great sports teams, festivals, and warm, southern hospitality.
If Georgia seems like it might be the right fit for you, read on to learn more.
Demand and Outlook
Georgia currently has a very high demand for nurses. The state is currently experiencing a severe shortage due to a fairly rapidly-growing population, and an increase in the retirement of older nurses.
It’s also one of the few states still projected to have a shortage of nurses in the foreseeable future. As such, many travel nursing agencies have scores of openings in the state. See some of them on our job board.
Jacqueline Herd, chief nursing officer at Grady Health System in Atlanta says, “Those of us who have been in practice for a while have seen nursing shortages come and go. However, this is expected to be the worst ever.”
Salary & Benefits
The Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent data reports an average annual salary of $69,590 for Registered Nurses in Georgia, with a range of $49,910 to $95,600. Average hourly wage is reported to be $33.46 per hour. Here’s a breakdown of average nursing salaries in Georgia:
Salaries By Practice Level
Practice Level
Hourly Avg
Annual Avg
Annual Range
Registered Nurses
$33.46
$69,590
$49,910 - 95,600
Nurse Anesthetists
$83.80
$174,310
$137,140 - 191,040
Nurse Midwives
$47.33
$98,440
$54,980 - 132,020
Nurse Practitioners
$50.80
$105,670
$76,410 - 140,620
LPNs and LVNs
$20.47
$42,570
$31,390 - $56,240
Metropolitan areas tend to pay more than non-metropolitan areas. Here are the highest paying cities for nurses in Georgia:
Highest Paying Cities For Georgia Nurses
Metro Area
Hourly Avg
Annual Mean Wage
Augusta-Richmond County
$33.37
$69,400
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell
$35.39
$73,610
Hinesville
$33.61
$69,900
Savannah
$30.80
$64,060
Rome
$32.06
$66,690
Macon
$32.22
$67,010
Athens-Clark County
$32.97
$68,590
Columbus
$30.05
$62,500
Warner Robins
$31.24
$64,980
Dalton
$30.08
$62,570
Brunswick
$25.58
$53,200
Valdosta
$30.57
$63,590
Pay varies by source of employment (outpatient vs inpatient setting), specialty area, ASN vs BSN degree, and geographical location. Typically, nurses work 3 12-hour shifts in a hospital setting or 4 10-hour shifts for outpatient centers. Georgia nurses who work 12 hours shifts (unless in the ED) typically work straight nights or straight days, rotating shifts are not common.
Overtime is typically available to nurses by hourly rate past 40 hours/week. Due to the nursing shortage, it is common for hospitals to offer sign-on bonuses for specialty nurses for relocation to Georgia (up to $10,000). End-of-year bonuses and raises for nurses are often based on individual or facility performance as a percentage of annual salary.
BENEFITS
Benefits are available for Full-Time Registered Nurses, not typically Part-Time or Per Diem employment. For FT RN’s, benefits packages include the options of enrolling in health insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, dental, vision, cancer, and 401k retirement savings.
Benefits also often include discounts or assistance with child-care whether through the healthcare facility or associated third party.
Georgia does not have specific parental leave laws, so most RN’s use short-term disability insurance to cover maternity leave. However, Georgia has the Family Care Act often referred to as the “Kin Care” law which dictates that employers that offer paid sick leave must permit all employees to use the leave privelege for the care of immediate family members, not just personal illness or injury.
Georgia State Board Of Nursing
The Georgia Board of Nursing licenses, monitors, disciplines, educates and, when appropriate, rehabilitates its licensees to assure competence in providing health care services for the people of Georgia.
The Georgia Board of Nursing receives administrative support from the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of Secretary of State Brian P. Kemp.
You may contact the call center for the Professional Licensing Boards Division at 478-207-2440 or 844-753-7825. Select “Option One” for the Board of Nursing.
A call center agent will provide assistance to you and escalate the call to the Board staff if necessary.
Fax
You may fax information to 877-371-5712. Please note that this is a digital fax system and immediate confirmation of the receipt of documents is not possible. Please allow up to ten business days for correspondence to be processed.
Mail
You may mail information to:
Georgia Board of Nursing 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, Georgia 31217
Email
You may email information to nursing@sos.ga.gov. Please allow up to ten business days for correspondence to be processed.
If you don’t live in a compact state, or you’re applying for your first nursing license, you have two options:
Licensure By Exam (first-license)
Licensure By Endorsement (out-of-state transfer)
Most applications are processed through the Georgia Board of Nursing online portal, but you may also submit paper applications by mail, but expect longer processing times.
RN and LPN by Examination
Graduates of Traditional Nursing Education Programs In Georgia
Register with Pearson Vue (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). Use the same name when registering as the one you’ll use to apply for licensure.
Register with COGENT Systems for fingerprinting and criminal background check. (www.ga.cogentid.com).
Submit the following online or by mail: Completed application Non-refundable application fee of $40.00 Completed criminal background check Any other additional information requested by the Board Note: Graduates from Georgia Board of Nursing Approved Schools in the State of Georgia are not required to submit transcripts as part of the application process.
Graduates of out-of-state nursing education programs
Nursing students from other states must apply for licensure by submitting a paper application.
Register with Pearson Vue (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). Use the same name when registering as the one you’ll use to apply for licensure.
Register with COGENT Systems for fingerprinting and criminal background check. (www.ga.cogentid.com).
Submit a completed licensure by examination paper application by mail and include a request for accommodations (if applicable) and other documents noted below.
Official transcripts from your nursing education program. You may submit as part of your application or have them sent electronically to nursing@sos.ga.gov. Nursing education programs must meet the requirements of O.C.G.A. §43-26-2(1.2)
Certified copies of documents relating to any previous arrests and discipline by regulatory boards. These should be the official documents showing the final disposition of the incident as well as a detailed letter regarding each incident.
Secure and verifiable documentation regarding your United States citizenship status. This may include but is not limited to: a copy of your driver’s license, United States passport, or green card. See a complete list of secure and verifiable documents on the Board’s website: sos.ga.gov/admin/files/svd2013.pdf
Total Fees (as of Oct 2017):
$200 for cost of examination to Pearson VUE, Testing Vendor
$40 for application and licensing fee to Georgia Board of Nursing
Cost varies by fingerprinting service provider
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses from states outside the Nurse Licensure Compact must apply for licensure by endorsement in order to practice in Georgia. Those seeking this type of licensure must have completed one of the following:
Graduation from a nursing education program within four years of the date of application OR
500 hours of practice as a registered nurse within the four years preceding the date of application
Here are the steps to obtain licensure by endorsement in Georgia:
Submit verifications of licensure for your original and current state of licensure. If your state utilizes Nursys.com for verification, make the request through Nursys. Paper verifications are only accepted from jurisdictions that do not provide verifications through Nursys.
Submit official transcripts from your nursing education program which led to your initial licensure.
Have your employer complete and notarize the “Verification of Employment” form found in the Endorsement Application.
Provide certified documents relating to any previous arrests and disciplinary action that show the final disposition of the incident as well as a personal, detailed letter of explanation regarding each incident.
Provide secure and verifiable documentation regarding United State citizenship status. This may include but is not limited to: a copy of your driver’s license, United States passport, or green card. See a complete list of secure and verifiable documents on the Board’s website: sos.ga.gov/admin/files/svd2013.pdf
Have your completed and signed application notarized.
Put your completed application and other documents into a 9x12 envelope. Do not fold or staple any of the documents.
Mail the completed application and documents to:
Georgia Board of Nursing 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217
Total Fees for Licensure by Endorsement (As of Oct 2017):
$75 for application and licensing fee to the Georgia Board of Nursing
Cost varies by Livescan Service Provider
How long does it take for an application to be processed?
The Georgia Board of Nursing website states that applications are reviewed on a first-in/first-out basis which typically takes less than 15 business days.
Submitting a complete application packet with all necessary documents will ensure the most efficient processing time.
License Renewal
Nursing Licenses in Georgia are renewed every two years. All renewals are completed through the online portal. To renew your license, you must complete the continuing education requirements as noted in the Continuing Education section and upload proof of completion to CEBroker.com.
Here are the steps to renewing your license:
Register with CE Broker to create your free account and upload documentation of completion of one of the five continuing competency options. Click here for instructions on creating your free account with CE Broker.
Use your User ID and Password to log into the online renewal system. Please note, if you do not have a User ID and Password you may click on the links to register. You may also reset your User ID and Password by clicking on the appropriate links and following the onscreen directions.
Once you have logged into the renewal website you will see a summary of your license information. Click on the “Renew License” button from the menu on the left-hand side of the page.
Select the license you would like to renew and click “Continue.” Please note, you must renew each license or authorization individually. Also, if you are an advanced practice registered nurse, please renew your registered nursing license first and then return to the renewal site to complete the renewal process for your advanced practice authorization.
Please carefully read the instructions regarding any required renewal documentation. Once you have read all instructions select the link “Click here to begin” and proceed with your renewal application. You will be asked to complete a short survey to provide the Board and other stakeholders with workforce data.
Update your person and license demographic information. Please review the information carefully and ensure that you update your email address as well.
Read and answer all renewal questions carefully.
Review the transaction summary to ensure all demographic information is provided and all renewal questions have been answered correctly.
Enter your payment information using the instructions provided.
Print a copy of the receipt for your records. Visit the Board’s website and use the “Licensure Search” feature to verify that your license status is “Active” and your license expiration date has been updated. If your renewal is not completed within five business days please contact the Professional Licensing Boards Call Center at 478-207-2440 and select Option Remember, please keep a copy of all documentation that you submit to the Board.
Top Nursing Programs in Georgia
Considering furthering your nursing education in Georgia? Our panel of registered nurses reviewed nursing programs across the state based on their reputation, NCLEX pass rate, tuition, and accreditation status. See the top 10 listed below, and get additional details in our Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Georgia guide.
Georgia Southwestern State University
Emory University
Georgia State University
Mercer University
Augusta University
University of West Georgia
Columbus State University
Kennesaw State University
Georgia College & State University
Georgia Southern University
Best Hospitals For Nurses
Nurse.org analyzed 1,579 surveys of nurses from 130 hospitals in Georgia to rank the best hospitals to work for in the state of Georgia.
1. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital
Atlanta, GA
4.6 Average Rating 100% Recommended
“Everyone is here to help you succeed and provide excellent care to our patients and there isn’t a judgment for not knowing something.”
“The nurses are very helpful to one another. It’s a great team environment and that’s huge for success in our department.”
“Most of the nurses there are passionate about helping kids. It helps make a great company culture.”
Get instant access to two free nurse resume templates when you sign up! Plus get the latest career opportunities and advice.
Magnet Hospitals in Georgia
The American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) awards hospitals who demonstrate a high degree of quality nursing, according to set standards, with the Magnet status.
Nurses who work at Magnet hospitals report higher job satisfaction, fewer injuries and more opportunities for advancement. These hospitals represent some of the most renowned facilities in the country, which also means that they have a highly competitive hiring process that only selects the best of the best.
Hospital
City
Atlanta VA Medical Center
Decatur
Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Atlanta
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta
Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital
Tucker
Saint Joseph’s/Candler Hospital
Savannah
The Medical Center, Navicent Health
Macon
University Hospital
Augusta
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing Education is a condition of license renewal for Georgia nurses. Proof of continuing education completion must be uploaded to CEBroker.com. Instructions for creating an account and uploading your documents can be found on the Board of Nursing’s website.
To meet Georgia’s continuing education requirements, registered nurses have the following options:
Verification of competency by a health care facility or entity or by a physician’s office that is part of a health system and at least five hundred (500) hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification.
Option Five
Completion of a Board approved reentry program or graduation from a nursing education program. Reentry programs are also known as refresher programs.
Labor Unions
Georgia is a right to work state which means no one can be forced to join a union as a condition of employment.
