Graduate Nurse Jobs in Illinois

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 (https: //www.deaconess.com/dil-benefit-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Education

Required* Associates or better in Nursing

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.