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