If you’ve just graduated from nursing school, congratulations! Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part: finding the perfect RN new grad jobs. The job market for new nurses can be competitive, but with the right strategy, you can secure a great position that kickstarts your career.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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Where to find RN new grad jobs
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Top hospitals and employers are hiring new graduate RNS
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How to write a strong resume for nursing new grads
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Acing your nursing interview
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Tips for negotiating your first RN salary
Let’s dive in!
1. Where to Find RN New Grad Jobs
Hospital Career Pages
Many hospitals have new grad RN residency programs designed to help recent graduates transition into professional nursing. Check the career pages of major hospital systems like:
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Mayo Clinic
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Cleveland Clinic
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Kaiser Permanente
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HCA Healthcare
Job Boards for Nursing Graduates
Specialised job boards cater to RN new grad jobs, including:
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NurseFly
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American Nurses Association (ANA) Career Centre
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Indeed (search “RN new grad residency programs”)
Networking & Career Fairs
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Attend nursing career fairs (virtual or in-person) and connect with recruiters on LinkedIn.
2. Best Employers for New Grad RNS
Some hospitals are known for their excellent new grad nurse training programs. Here are a few top employers:
Teaching Hospitals & Academic Medical Centres
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Johns Hopkins Hospital
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Massachusetts General Hospital
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UCSF Medical Centre
Veterans Health Administration (VA Hospitals)
The VA offers competitive salaries, federal benefits, and loan repayment programs for new nurses.
Magnet Hospitals
Magnet-recognised hospitals (like NewYork-Presbyterian and Duke University Hospital) are known for better nurse retention and support.
3. How to Write a Strong New Grad RN Resume
Since you don’t have much experience yet, focus on:
✅ Clinical rotations (list units you worked in, e.g., ICU, Paediatrics, Med-Surg)
✅ Certifications (BLS, ACLS, any additional training)
✅ Skills (IV insertion, patient assessment, EHR systems like Epic or Cerner)
✅ Volunteer work or leadership roles (even if not nursing-related)
Pro Tip: Use keywords from the job description (like “patient care,” “critical thinking,” or “team collaboration”) to help your resume pass ATS screening.
4. How to Ace Your Nursing Interview
Hiring managers for RN new grad jobs often ask:
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“Tell me about a challenging patient case you handled.”
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“How do you prioritise tasks under pressure?”
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“Why do you want to work at our hospital?”
Prepare strong answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
5. Salary Expectations for New Grad RNS
The average new grad RN salary ranges from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on location.
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Higher-paying states: California, New York, Massachusetts
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Lower cost of living areas: Texas, Florida, the Midwest
Negotiation Tip: Research salaries on Glassdoor and Payscale before accepting an offer.
Final Thoughts
Landing your first RN new grad job is a huge milestone. Focus on applying to residency programs, tailoring your resume, and practising interview questions. With persistence, you’ll find the right fit!
Need more help? Check out our [Ultimate Guide for New Nurse Graduates] for extra tips!
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing a great RN new grad job in 2024. Good luck, future nurse! 🩺💙
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