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.
What You’ll Experience:
One-on-one guidance and mentorship from an experienced RN preceptor
A unit-based learning environment focused on growth and skill development
Exposure to complex patient care while building a strong clinical foundation
A smooth transition into a full-time RN position after licensure
Education & Experience:
Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing
Applied for and/or awaiting results of the first NCLEX exam
NCLEX Requirements:
If unsuccessful on the first attempt, you may remain in orientation but must retake within 60 days
If unsuccessful on the second attempt, you will be removed from the GN role
GN status may not exceed four months
Licensure & Certifications:
Eligible for Illinois RN licensure
Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at hire
Starting at $28/hour as a Graduate Nurse
Automatically transitions to RN pay scale upon passing NCLEX & license posting
Eligible for evening, night, and weekend shift incentives
Details provided during the interview
Opportunity for a performance-based bonus
Full criteria and metrics shared during interview or upon hire
At Deaconess, we’re committed to helping you grow—professionally and personally.
We offer:
Flexible scheduling: Full-time, part-time, supplemental | Day, Evening, Night shifts
Tuition reimbursement
Student Loan Repayment Program
Payactiv earned-wage access (get paid as soon as tomorrow!)
Opportunities for career advancement
Robust health and retirement plans
Explore Our Full Benefits Guide: https://www.deaconess.com/dil-benefit-guide
Deaconess Health System is the premiere provider of health care services to a population of more than 1.5 million in southwestern Indiana, western Kentucky and southeastern Illinois. Serving a population of more than 1.5 million residents, the system consists of 20 wholly owned, joint ventured, sponsored or affiliated hospital locations situated throughout the Tri-State.
Deaconess Health System is the largest employer in the tri-state region, and operates under the direction of a local board, with a local focus. Deaconess is widely recognized for its commitment to excellence. Named the #2 Hospital in Indiana by US News & World Report for the past six years, Deaconess was also named to the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers in 2022 and 2023, 2024 and 2025.
As our organization continues to grow and expand, we welcome skilled, dedicated and compassionate individuals to join us in delivering The Deaconess Difference: putting people at the center of everything we do, making a positive difference in the lives of our patients, families, employees and community.
Browse our site to learn more about our convenient locations, expert services, community involvement, and much more.
Our commitment to progressive, patient-centered care guides our work every day as our priorities are set and decisions are made with a local focus and direction.
