Do hospitals hire new graduate nurses? If a hospital doesn’t have a designated New Grad Program, how can I determine if I’m still eligible to apply?

Yes, many hospitals do hire new graduate nurses, but the availability of positions depends on the hospital’s policies, location, and demand for nurses. Some hospitals have structured New Graduate Nurse Residency Programs, while others may hire new grads directly into units without a formal program.

If there is no specific new grad program, you can still increase your chances of getting hired by doing the following:

1. Apply Strategically
• Look for “Staff Nurse” or “Registered Nurse” positions that do not specify experience requirements. Some hospitals may not explicitly state “new grad program” but still hire new nurses.
• Consider specialty areas with higher demand, such as med-surg, telemetry, or behavioral health, where hospitals may be more open to training new grads.
• Apply to smaller community hospitals or long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), as they may be more flexible in hiring new grads compared to large academic medical centers.

2. Network and Make Connections
• Reach out to nurse recruiters at hospitals you’re interested in. Sometimes, even if there’s no official program, they might consider you for a role if they know you personally.
• Use your clinical rotations or preceptorship connections—ask your preceptors or unit managers if they know of openings.
• Attend nursing job fairs and hospital open houses to meet hiring managers directly.

3. Strengthen Your Application
• Highlight relevant experience (even if it’s not nursing-related)—such as teaching, leadership, or healthcare-adjacent roles like CNA, EMT, or medical assisting.
• Emphasize transferable skills—strong patient communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to focus on why you’re a great fit for that specific unit, hospital, and patient population.

4. Consider Alternative Entry Points
• Start as a Nurse Extern or Patient Care Tech (PCT) in a hospital while waiting for an RN position to open up.
• Apply for a residency or fellowship at another hospital and gain experience before moving to your preferred hospital.
• Look into contract, float pool, or per diem positions—some hospitals will bring in new grads on a temporary basis, which can turn into full-time offers.

5. Continue Building Your Skills
• Get Additional Certifications: Having ACLS, PALS, or NIHSS (stroke certification) can make you more competitive, especially for cardiac, neuro, or emergency departments.
• Stay Involved in Professional Organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) or specialty nursing groups to demonstrate commitment to professional growth.

6. Be Willing to Start Somewhere and Move Up

If your ideal hospital isn’t hiring new grads, consider taking a job in a related setting (like rehab, skilled nursing, or home health) while continuing to apply for acute care positions. Many hospitals will consider nurses with 6-12 months of experience, even if it’s not in a hospital.