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Allison
Student
Union, Kentucky
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How do I start the job application process once I gradate? #Spring25
My major is nursing and I am currently a freshman. I am unsure on how I can get a job in a hospital once I have graduated. #Spring25
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Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
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Naperville, Illinois
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Patrick’s Answer
Allison, please understand that starting the job application process after graduating with a nursing degree begins long before you receive your diploma—and the earlier you prepare, the more successful and confident you’ll be in securing a hospital position. As a freshman nursing major, you're already in an excellent position to lay the groundwork for a smooth transition into the workforce. The first step is to understand the licensure requirement: after completing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Without passing this exam, you cannot legally practice nursing in a hospital or clinical setting. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing - http://www.ncsbn.org/ is the official resource for NCLEX information, including test preparation and application timelines.
To make yourself competitive for hospital jobs by the time you graduate, begin building experience now through clinical rotations, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level healthcare positions like nurse aide or patient care assistant roles. Many hospitals offer student internship or externship programs during the summer for nursing students—programs designed to give hands-on experience in real hospital settings under the supervision of licensed nurses. Keep an eye on opportunities from leading hospitals in your area, such as Cleveland Clinic - http://www.clevelandclinic.org/ or OhioHealth - http://www.ohiohealth.com/, which frequently offer student nurse externships and new graduate residency programs.
Allison, by your junior or senior year, you'll want to start attending nursing job fairs, either on campus or virtually, and network with recruiters from local and regional hospitals. Many hospitals now offer new graduate nurse residency programs, which are structured onboarding experiences specifically for recent BSN graduates. These programs ease the transition from student to professional nurse, often lasting 6–12 months, and provide both clinical training and professional mentorship. You can find many of these programs posted on hospital career websites or centralized job boards like NursingJobs.com - http://www.nursingjobs.com/, Health eCareers - http://www.healthecareers.com/, and Indeed - http://www.indeed.com/, where you can search specifically for “new grad RN” positions.
Additionally, work closely with your university’s career services department and nursing school advisors. They often provide résumé workshops, mock interviews, and connections to alumni currently working in healthcare. Your résumé should highlight not only your clinical experience and academic achievements, but also your soft skills—like communication, adaptability, and attention to detail—which are essential in high-pressure medical environments. Consider creating a LinkedIn profile and joining professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) at https://www.nursingworld.org/, which provides access to continuing education, professional development resources, and job listings tailored to nurses.
In summary, Allison, while you may be just starting your nursing education, taking strategic steps now—such as gaining experience, building relationships, preparing for licensure, and understanding the structure of graduate nurse programs—will set you up for a successful job search upon graduation. The nursing profession is in high demand, and by proactively positioning yourself, you'll enter the field with confidence, skills, and direction.
To make yourself competitive for hospital jobs by the time you graduate, begin building experience now through clinical rotations, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level healthcare positions like nurse aide or patient care assistant roles. Many hospitals offer student internship or externship programs during the summer for nursing students—programs designed to give hands-on experience in real hospital settings under the supervision of licensed nurses. Keep an eye on opportunities from leading hospitals in your area, such as Cleveland Clinic - http://www.clevelandclinic.org/ or OhioHealth - http://www.ohiohealth.com/, which frequently offer student nurse externships and new graduate residency programs.
Allison, by your junior or senior year, you'll want to start attending nursing job fairs, either on campus or virtually, and network with recruiters from local and regional hospitals. Many hospitals now offer new graduate nurse residency programs, which are structured onboarding experiences specifically for recent BSN graduates. These programs ease the transition from student to professional nurse, often lasting 6–12 months, and provide both clinical training and professional mentorship. You can find many of these programs posted on hospital career websites or centralized job boards like NursingJobs.com - http://www.nursingjobs.com/, Health eCareers - http://www.healthecareers.com/, and Indeed - http://www.indeed.com/, where you can search specifically for “new grad RN” positions.
Additionally, work closely with your university’s career services department and nursing school advisors. They often provide résumé workshops, mock interviews, and connections to alumni currently working in healthcare. Your résumé should highlight not only your clinical experience and academic achievements, but also your soft skills—like communication, adaptability, and attention to detail—which are essential in high-pressure medical environments. Consider creating a LinkedIn profile and joining professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) at https://www.nursingworld.org/, which provides access to continuing education, professional development resources, and job listings tailored to nurses.
In summary, Allison, while you may be just starting your nursing education, taking strategic steps now—such as gaining experience, building relationships, preparing for licensure, and understanding the structure of graduate nurse programs—will set you up for a successful job search upon graduation. The nursing profession is in high demand, and by proactively positioning yourself, you'll enter the field with confidence, skills, and direction.