OPT New Grad Jobs
New Grad jobs on OPT are plentiful in engineering, business, and tech, but timing is everything. Your OPT start date must align with your employment start date, and most New Grad roles have fixed cohort timelines. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
New Graduate Nurse Residency Program
Carle BroMenn Medical Center and Carle Eureka Hospital provide a Nurse Residency program for new graduate Registered Nurses during their first several months of practice. New Graduate Nurse Residency assists the nurse in the transition from student to professional nursing practice. The program offers facilitated learning sessions, discussions, and reflective self-care sessions in a group setting. The content is structured to help new graduates apply best practices, evidence-based care guidelines, and to use proactive nursing strategies.
All nurses receive a comprehensive orientation which includes classroom orientation followed by unit-based orientation with a unit preceptor. During residency, the new graduate nurse receives additional classroom, simulation, virtual reality, and skill sessions presented by a team of expert level RNs and Clinical Development Specialists. Topics cover core concepts that assist in the nurse’s professional career development and are designed to meet the needs of each group. In addition, the residency program also includes attending a unit shared governance meeting and an opportunity for observational experiences. New Graduate Nurse Residency is a comprehensive program which builds professional relationships and provides strong specialized support for the transition of new graduate nurses at Carle Health.
A Recruiter will contact you once you apply. Together we will discuss the best fit for the department interviews.
Acute Care Track
- Surgical Ortho Unit
- MOSU
- Acute Rehab
- PCU
- CVCU
Behavioral Health/Chemical Dependency Track
- Emergency Department Track
- Intensive Care Track
- Eureka- Med/Surg Track
(Not All tracks will be available dependent on number of openings)
Responsibilities
Performs all responsibilities and duties required by unit as specific to the scope of service. Implements procedures and theories related to the specific area of practice. Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to assure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team. Completes initial assessment upon patient admission and develops appropriate plan of care in accordance with unit standards and that is based on patient and family needs. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation. Takes responsibility for patient and employee safety by reporting and/or correcting safety hazards and incidents. Communicates with others directly and in private when necessary to resolve issues. Offers constructive feedback to assist in the professional development of peers, and confers with colleagues to expand knowledge base. Identifies own learning needs and takes initiative to begin appropriate solution. Fulfills all requirements of departmental competencies. Works with nurse preceptor to perform all responsibilities required by unit and patient population. Accurately and timely, collects and documents data of nursing care rendered to assure integration of information for use by the healthcare team. Reports adverse events to improve quality and safety for patients and staff. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Utilizing the nursing process, modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation. Receives constructive feedback based on performance and behavior. Regularly confers with colleagues to ask questions and expand knowledge base. Completes all mandatory training and competency modules.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Licensed Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Education:
- College Diploma: Nursing
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Carle Health Company Overview:
Find it here.
Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.
Our more than 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include seven, award-winning hospitals across eight hospital campuses and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Physicians Group, Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center including Carle Eureka Hospital and associated Carle Health Medical Group clinics all hold Magnet® with Distinction designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital and Carle Health Pekin Hospital all hold the exclusive Magnet® designation.
We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $36.8 per hour - $59.89 per hour.
This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.
INTRODUCTION
New Graduate Nurse Residency Program
Carle BroMenn Medical Center and Carle Eureka Hospital provide a Nurse Residency program for new graduate Registered Nurses during their first several months of practice. New Graduate Nurse Residency assists the nurse in the transition from student to professional nursing practice. The program offers facilitated learning sessions, discussions, and reflective self-care sessions in a group setting. The content is structured to help new graduates apply best practices, evidence-based care guidelines, and to use proactive nursing strategies.
All nurses receive a comprehensive orientation which includes classroom orientation followed by unit-based orientation with a unit preceptor. During residency, the new graduate nurse receives additional classroom, simulation, virtual reality, and skill sessions presented by a team of expert level RNs and Clinical Development Specialists. Topics cover core concepts that assist in the nurse’s professional career development and are designed to meet the needs of each group. In addition, the residency program also includes attending a unit shared governance meeting and an opportunity for observational experiences. New Graduate Nurse Residency is a comprehensive program which builds professional relationships and provides strong specialized support for the transition of new graduate nurses at Carle Health.
A Recruiter will contact you once you apply. Together we will discuss the best fit for the department interviews.
Acute Care Track
- Surgical Ortho Unit
- MOSU
- Acute Rehab
- PCU
- CVCU
Behavioral Health/Chemical Dependency Track
- Emergency Department Track
- Intensive Care Track
- Eureka- Med/Surg Track
(Not All tracks will be available dependent on number of openings)
Responsibilities
Performs all responsibilities and duties required by unit as specific to the scope of service. Implements procedures and theories related to the specific area of practice. Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to assure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team. Completes initial assessment upon patient admission and develops appropriate plan of care in accordance with unit standards and that is based on patient and family needs. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation. Takes responsibility for patient and employee safety by reporting and/or correcting safety hazards and incidents. Communicates with others directly and in private when necessary to resolve issues. Offers constructive feedback to assist in the professional development of peers, and confers with colleagues to expand knowledge base. Identifies own learning needs and takes initiative to begin appropriate solution. Fulfills all requirements of departmental competencies. Works with nurse preceptor to perform all responsibilities required by unit and patient population. Accurately and timely, collects and documents data of nursing care rendered to assure integration of information for use by the healthcare team. Reports adverse events to improve quality and safety for patients and staff. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Utilizing the nursing process, modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation. Receives constructive feedback based on performance and behavior. Regularly confers with colleagues to ask questions and expand knowledge base. Completes all mandatory training and competency modules.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Licensed Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Education:
- College Diploma: Nursing
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Carle Health Company Overview:
Find it here.
Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.
Our more than 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include seven, award-winning hospitals across eight hospital campuses and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Physicians Group, Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center including Carle Eureka Hospital and associated Carle Health Medical Group clinics all hold Magnet® with Distinction designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital and Carle Health Pekin Hospital all hold the exclusive Magnet® designation.
We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $36.8 per hour - $59.89 per hour.
This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.
See all 56+ OPT New Grad Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in New Grad
Apply before your OPT start date is authorized
New Grad hiring cycles close months before the actual start date. Submit applications three to six months early so your offer and OPT authorization align. Waiting until your EAD arrives puts you behind most cohort deadlines.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, you qualify for a 24-month extension beyond standard OPT. Mentioning this early reassures employers who worry about short authorization windows and increases your chances of moving forward.
Match your job title to your degree field
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. A software engineering role paired with a computer science degree is straightforward. Mismatches create compliance risk, so confirm the connection is clear before accepting any offer.
Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully
OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the authorization period. If your New Grad start date is delayed or an offer falls through, document your job search activity and move quickly to avoid exceeding the threshold.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship intentions before the offer stage
New Grad programs vary widely on H-1B visa sponsorship. Asking late wastes time for both sides. Research the employer's track record and raise the conversation during the final interview round, not after you have a competing offer.
Confirm your employer will sign the STEM OPT I-983
STEM OPT requires your employer to submit a training plan using Form I-983 and meet E-Verify enrollment requirements. Confirm both before accepting. Some small employers are willing to hire but unprepared for the compliance obligations this involves.
New Grad OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in a New Grad role while on OPT?
Yes, as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. New Grad roles in engineering, finance, consulting, and technology are common fits for OPT students. Your EAD must be valid before your start date, and your employment must remain connected to the field of study listed on your I-20.
How do I find New Grad jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It filters specifically for employers who are open to sponsoring or hiring international students on OPT, so you are not wasting applications on roles that will screen you out at the authorization question. Most general job boards do not filter by visa friendliness, which costs you significant time during an already compressed job search.
Does my New Grad job need to be full-time for OPT to remain valid?
Post-completion OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week to count as qualifying employment. Most New Grad roles are full-time, so this threshold is typically met without issue. Part-time New Grad positions do satisfy OPT requirements as long as they clear the 20-hour minimum and remain related to your degree.
What happens to my OPT if my New Grad start date is delayed?
Delays count against your 90-day unemployment allowance. If your cohort start date is pushed back by four to six weeks, that time is deducted from your unemployment limit. Document your active job search throughout any gap. If the delay pushes you close to the 90-day threshold, consult your DSO about your options before the limit is reached.
Do New Grad employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
Sponsorship practices vary significantly. Large companies in tech, finance, and consulting with established international hiring programs are more likely to sponsor H-1B petitions for New Grad hires. Smaller employers often lack the infrastructure to manage the process. Research a company's H-1B filing history through public Labor Condition Application records before accepting an offer.