Nursing Graduate

Position: Nursing Graduate - May 2026
New Graduate Nurse (GN) Program - Deaconess Illinois Hospitals

Start your nursing career with confidence, support, and a team that invests in YOU.

Position

Purpose:

Our Graduate Nurse Program is designed to help new nursing graduates seamlessly transition into their professional RN role. As a Graduate Nurse (GN), you'll gain hands-on experience before receiving your RN license, working under the direct supervision of a dedicated RN preceptor. This structured, supportive environment gives you the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen your clinical skills, and care for complex patients within a highly collaborative team.

Once you obtain your full Illinois RN license (required within 60 days), you will step directly into a full-time RN role within the Deaconess Illinois Hospital system.

What You'll

Experience:

* One-on-one guidance and mentorship from an experienced RN preceptor

* A unit-based learning environment focused on growth and skill development

* Exposure to complex patient care while building a strong clinical foundation

* A smooth transition into a full-time RN position after licensure

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

* Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing

* Applied for and/or awaiting results of the first NCLEX exam

NCLEX Requirements:

* If unsuccessful on the first attempt, you may remain in orientation but must retake within 60 days

* If unsuccessful on the second attempt, you will be removed from the GN role

* GN status may not exceed four months

Licensure &

Certifications:

* Eligible for Illinois RN licensure

* Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at hire

Compensation

* Starting at $28/hour as a Graduate Nurse

* Automatically transitions to RN pay scale upon passing NCLEX & license posting

Incentives

* Eligible for evening, night, and weekend shift incentives

* Details provided during the interview

Bonus

* Opportunity for a performance-based bonus

* Full criteria and metrics shared during interview or upon hire

Benefits That Support Your Future

At Deaconess, we're committed to helping you grow-professionally and personally.

We offer:

* Flexible scheduling:
Full-time, part-time, supplemental | Day, Evening, Night shifts

* Tuition reimbursement

* Student Loan Repayment Program

* Payactiv earned-wage access (get paid as soon as tomorrow!)

* Opportunities for career advancement

* Robust health and retirement plans

Explore Our Full Benefits Guide: