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:

Equal Opportunity Employer
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