How to stand out
1. Volunteer
Volunteering does not pay, but it can pay off. Working in a hospital or other facility gives you the hands-on experience many employers require, and if you have a specialty in mind, it lets you handle real scenarios and build the skills that go with it. It also puts you in front of nurses who can offer advice and connections. Get to know the nurse managers, since they often make hiring decisions and tend to favor people they have already trained or worked with.
2. Show off your nursing school accomplishments
Look back at what you did in school. A major research project, work with a respected professor, or a leadership role all give you an edge with employers. If you are still in school, take an active role in groups like the National Student Nurses' Association, or build a standout project for your resume.
3. Network
Networking may be the single most important tactic, and you can start before you graduate. The NSNA suggests contacting your school's alumni organization while you are still enrolled, since former students are a natural network. Attend conferences and career fairs, and keep your LinkedIn profile current.
4. Further your education
Graduates with a BSN or higher tend to have an easier time landing a job. If you have an associate degree, consider a BSN to improve your odds. If you already have a BSN, look at MSN programs. If going back to school is not realistic right now, shorter certificate programs can add specialized skills.
What else can I do?
Look for new-grad-friendly employers
Some facilities specifically hire new graduates, and many run new-grad residency programs built for exactly this stage. It may take searching to find them. If one offers a role that is not your dream job, stay open-minded; the experience can still move your career forward.
Take a nontraditional route
You may picture yourself in a fast-paced hospital, but so does most of the job market. The NSNA suggests looking beyond large acute-care settings for entry-level positions: rehabilitation facilities, school nursing, long-term care, and rural communities. Many of these offer some of the best early experience a new nurse can get.
Judy Honig, associate dean of student affairs at the Columbia University School of Nursing, told Forbes that nonhospital settings can make new RNs more resourceful. "You have to know your material, you have to know what nursing is in these settings," Honig said. "The nurse in a rural area may be the most educated health professional around."
Some days the search will feel impossible. Keep going. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects RN employment to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 189,100 openings each year (BLS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do new grad nurses get experience when every job wants experience? Build it before you need it. Volunteer in a hospital or facility, take an active role in groups like the National Student Nurses' Association, and target employers that run new-grad residency programs designed for exactly this stage.
Are there really nursing jobs for new graduates? Yes. RN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034 with about 189,100 openings a year, and many facilities specifically hire and train new grads (BLS).
Does a BSN make it easier to get hired as a new nurse? Generally yes. Graduates with a BSN or higher tend to land jobs more easily, and if you hold an ADN, an RN-to-BSN bridge can improve your odds while you keep working.
What is a nurse residency program? It is a structured onboarding program, often 6 to 12 months, that pairs new RNs with mentors and supervised clinical experience to bridge the gap between school and independent practice.
Should I take a job that is not in my dream specialty? Often, yes. Rehabilitation, school nursing, long-term care, and rural settings offer some of the best early experience and can make you a more resourceful nurse, per the NSNA's guidance for new graduates.
When should I start networking for my first nursing job? Before you graduate. The NSNA suggests contacting your school's alumni organization while you are still enrolled, attending conferences and career fairs, and keeping your LinkedIn profile current.