New Graduate Nurse – December 2026 Graduates

** 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. ## Why Choose Deaconess? As a Graduate Nurse (GN), you'll begin working alongside experienced nurses before receiving your RN license, allowing you to gain valuable clinical experience while building confidence in a supportive environment. ### What You'll Receive: * Dedicated one-on-one RN preceptor and mentorship * Structured orientation and clinical training * Hands-on experience caring for diverse patient populations * Supportive nurse leaders and collaborative care teams * Opportunities to explore specialty nursing areas * Seamless transition into a Registered Nurse role upon licensure * Career growth and advancement opportunities within the Deaconess Health System ## Program Overview Graduate Nurses work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse while preparing for and completing the NCLEX-RN examination. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX and posting of your Illinois RN license, you will transition directly into a Registered Nurse position within Deaconess Illinois Hospitals. ### Compensation * Graduate Nurse starting rate: **$28.00/hour** * **Automatic transition to RN pay scale upon licensure** * Evening, night, and weekend shift incentives available * Performance-based bonus opportunities * Additional details provided during the interview process ## Qualifications ### Education * Graduate of an accredited Associate Degree or Bachelor of Science Nursing program * December 2026 nursing graduates encouraged to apply ### Licensure Requirements * Eligible for Illinois RN licensure * Applied for and/or awaiting first NCLEX-RN examination results * Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required upon hire ### NCLEX Guidelines * Graduate Nurses must obtain Illinois RN licensure within 60 days of graduation or as outlined by program requirements * If unsuccessful on the first NCLEX attempt, candidates may remain in orientation and retest within 60 days * Graduate Nurse status may not exceed four months ## Benefits Designed for Your Future At Deaconess, we invest in your personal and professional success. Benefits include: * Flexible scheduling options * Full-time, Part-time, and Supplemental positions * Day, Evening, and Night shifts available * Tuition Reimbursement Program * Student Loan Repayment Assistance * Payactiv Earned Wage Access * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage * Retirement savings plans * Professional development and advancement opportunities ### Begin Your Nursing Journey With Confidence Your career starts here. Join a healthcare team committed to helping new nurses succeed, grow, and make a difference from the very beginning. **Apply today and secure your spot in the Deaconess Illinois RN New Graduate Program for December 2026 graduates.** **Explore our full benefits guide: Deaconess Illinois Benefits Guide**