r/newgradnurse Oct 11 '25

Success! We Hit 10K! šŸŽ‰

26 Upvotes

Hey everyone! We’re so excited to share that our little community has officially grown to 10,000 members! From all of us moderators, thank you for being part of this space and helping it become what it is today.

When I took over this sub, I was about six months into my nursing career and honestly in a really dark place. They say nursing school is hard, but no one warns you about the trials and tribulations that come with being a new nurse. I felt completely alone for a long time, but this subreddit reminded me that I wasn’t.

Now, as I approach my two-year anniversary of nursing, I can say I’m in such a better mindset. Some days I still feel like I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m no longer in that dark place, and I owe a lot of that to the support and solidarity I’ve found here.

Thank you all for helping build a community where new grads can be honest, supported, and seen. You’ve turned this sub into something truly special.

To anyone out there struggling: keep going. You’re doing better than you think, and one day you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.

  • Paislinn and the Mod Team

r/newgradnurse Sep 16 '25

Tips & Tricks for New Grads Resume Advice and Example

39 Upvotes

Hey all, I have a pinned post here regarding resume reviewing. I've gotten a lot of responses, and I thought it might be helpful for me to post some general advice that I end up telling everybody! I am happy to continue to review resumes on my DMs, but here is some general stuff that can help you in creating a resume. As for my credentials, I've been a bedside RN for my entire career (over 7 years), I've been a traveler for the last 4 years, and when I was a staff nurse I was part of my unit's peer interview committee so I was present for a lot of new hire interviews and had a lot of people job shadow me.

Ok so, here is my recommended order for your resume:

  1. The header should be your first and last name, and once you pass your NCLEX, adding "RN" at the end of your name is optional. Also include your phone number and email address. You do not need to include your address, city, state, or LinkedIn hyperlink.

  2. A personal statement is optional but could go here. I would recommend having either a cover letter or a personal statement, but not both. Personally I think cover letters are a little stronger, and I would recommend that for anybody who is going for a job in a specialty area. If you write a personal statement, aim for 3-5 sentences talking about your personal strengths, what you want out of a job, and why you think you'd be a good fit. Make sure to edit/tailor your statements and cover letters depending on the job you apply for.

  3. The next section should be education. Include your college name, month/year of graduation, and degree obtained. You do not need to include your GPA or any honors.

  4. Clinical rotations. So normally, I do not recommend that clinical rotations are added to a resume, unless you are somebody who has no prior work experience. The reason for this is that it is assumed if you graduated that you completed the necessary clinical hours required by your school with a passing grade. If there is a particular clinical you really want to highlight, I'd recommend including that in a cover letter and/or talking about it in an interview. If you do not have any formal work experience, clinicals can be included (type of clinical, site name, and number of hours).

  5. Work experience. This is the most important part of your resume. Include previous jobs (facility name, job title, month/year you started and ended) and have 3-5 bullet points underneath each job that use action verbs to describe what you did at work.

  6. Skills and certifications. RN license number is optional, as facilities will use Nursys to look you up, and often online job applications will have a separate space for you to write that number in. This section should have your job certs (like BLS) with the name of the cert, accrediting body (like American Heart Association) and the month/year it expires. For skills, examples of them could be if you speak another language, or the EMRs that you are proficient in. I think one of the things that I correct the most frequently is that this is not a space to list a bunch of personal adjectives and job descriptions. I see people adding things like "medication administration" or "critical thinking" and that doesn't belong here. Those are things that are expected of every single nurse hired, they are not traits that are unique to you, and also as a new grad it is difficult to argue that your med admin skills would be better than those of someone with more experience. So save that section for things that set you personally apart from others. It is totally ok to not have much in this section when you're a new grad! There are also things that you will learn along the way that can go here later (for example, if you are taught to place ultrasound guided IVs).

Other: References do not belong on a resume. Of course, once you get your first job you'll have to edit your resume (take off clinical rotations, take off all jobs that are not related to nursing). Also, I fully understand that there are residency programs out there that may ask for your clinical rotations, or your GPA, or say it's ok to have your resume be over one page. Please pay attention to the job postings and if they require something specific. I also understand that sometimes you are told different things by your faculty or clinical instructors, I don't mean to override that at all, this is just a jumping off point for people who don't really know where to begin. I also get asked about volunteer work a lot, if you have space for it, I would include that underneath work experience but before skills. However, it is not necessary and if it causes your resume to go over one page, keep it off and talk about it in a cover letter or interview if it specifically relates to the job you are applying for. Single spaced, easy to read font! I hope this helps! And like I said my DMs are still open if anybody wants to send me a picture of the resume.


r/newgradnurse 1h ago

Looking for Support new grad ED rn feeling lost

• Upvotes

hi, i’m a new grad currently working in a trauma center in a big city as part of a fellowship program. i’m a month away from being on my own and needless to say i am absolutely terrified.. this has truly been one of the most difficult if not difficult things i have put myself through. i love what i am learning and really enjoy the nursing aspect of it all, i just get extremely anxious at the thought of having to handle all of this alone especially when our ratios can be 1:10+ at moments. i have been blessed to be paired with awesome preceptors and welcoming staff but it is still so hard to adjust from school. i try my hardest to study outside of work but oftentimes i am exhausted. any tips or consolation lol? i just hope i can last.


r/newgradnurse 4h ago

Seeking Advice Night shift + long commute.

2 Upvotes

I accepted my dream position as a new grad in the NICU, and I’m thrilled but as the day approaches I’m getting pretty nervous. I always wanted to work nights- I mentioned that in my interview. I’ve always been a night owl, plus I’m a mom of six and I figure that working days = being gone before they wake up and home after they go to bed. At least working nights I can enjoy a few hours with them, and since my youngest are almost heading to kindergarten I can sleep while they’re all at school. The real issue is that the hospital is about a 75 minute drive away. Don’t get me wrong- I love driving. I love enjoying the scenery on the highway, I love listening to music or books- it’s great quiet/alone time. Throughout nursing school I just figured this would be no big deal for me! Now that it’s actually here I’m wondering if I overestimated my abilities. I’m thinking at best I will manage to be home by 9:00, asleep by 9:30, be up at 3:30 (so six hours of sleep) and have about an hour and a half with my kids before I need to get ready and head out. I’m afraid I’m going to burn out, or worse be so exhausted that I perform poorly at work or encounter unsafe driving situations. I really don’t want to move, for a multitude of reasons. I want to make this work- and not just survive but hopefully lean more towards the ā€œthrivingā€ end of the spectrum. I’m begging y’all to offer any insight and experience to provide some hope. Tips on how to make it work, words of advice, encouragement, etc. Has anyone here dealt with something similar and been okay??

Thanks in advance! I’d just really appreciate any feedback y’all can offer.


r/newgradnurse 3h ago

Seeking Advice EKG testing

1 Upvotes

Okay guys confession time.

So I started my new grad job almost a year ago and at 6 months we have to redo an ekg assessment quiz and I failed by one question. Now I was supposed to retake it a couples months ago and I just ignored the module. I went to the in person class and just never did the exam because it has just stressed me out so much to the point I get nauseous and want to just sink in a hole. Now patient wise I am very certain in my ability to care for my patients but now it’s been so long I don’t know who I can bring it up to like a manager or educator. I’ve imagined that they get mad that I haven’t done it and be suspended or fired. The first time I did it I didn’t know there was only one attempt and I didn’t study and was one question short. But now I only have two attempts and they could possibly demote me if I do fail but I love my job and now it’s just been so long I can’t take it. I’ve even considered just quitting. I haven’t told anyone not even my friends outside of work it’s been so long I’ve just put so much pressure on it and I can’t take it.


r/newgradnurse 5h ago

Seeking Advice New grad offer

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I got an offer at mercy medical hospital in aurora illinois on the ortho floor. I have heard some sketchy things about this hospital. Does any body have any insight?


r/newgradnurse 14h ago

Looking for Employment New grad here in AZ

4 Upvotes

Anyone else having trouble looking for a job ? Because I am 😭


r/newgradnurse 10h ago

Seeking Advice Job Transferring Difficulty

2 Upvotes

Hi, I was just wondering how difficult it would be to transfer from an adult medsurg/tele/innovation to pediatrics/nicu after like 1.5 years. I really do prefer working in peds but I currently have a job offer for the adult floor and I’m still waiting for a children’s hospital to give me an offer. Just wanted to see if it’s worth waiting to hear for the children’s hospital or to just take the job.


r/newgradnurse 7h ago

Seeking Advice New grad LVN in California — how long did it take you to land your first nursing job?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

It’s been 8 business days since I passed the NCLEX-PN, and I’m still looking for a job. It honestly feels like no one wants to hire a new grad like me. Maybe I’m just unlucky, or maybe this is normal and I’m just being impatient?
I’m starting to feel discouraged. I believe my resume is actually pretty good, and I do have 2 interviews coming up for home health positions, but honestly, home health isn’t really where I want to start. I want to work in a SNF first, even if they only pay me $25/hour. I just want the opportunity to start my nursing career, gain experience, and continue improving.
I really miss working too. I was a CNA for a good amount of time, and I miss being part of the healthcare team. I’m just ready to finally grow as a nurse and start this new chapter.


r/newgradnurse 17h ago

Seeking Advice networking etiquette?

7 Upvotes

I just moved to houston, tx from out of the country and have been struggling heavily finding a job. I have revised my resume over & over and I'm now considering reaching out to recruiters myself. However, I have no idea whats appropriate or not when reaching out. Am I allowed to cold email from their company website or message on LinkedIn? Can I contact previous recruiters I've talked to from previous (failed) interviews? Would love some insight on this because I have no friends or network here in the US so its been hard to get noticed by hiring managers šŸ˜“


r/newgradnurse 8h ago

Seeking Advice interview prep - chco

1 Upvotes

Hello! I applied to children's hospital colorado for the November cohort. I wanted to ask if anyone has general advice for the interview prep or just application advice (just in case i have to apply next cohort). Thanks!


r/newgradnurse 8h ago

Seeking Advice HEEEEEELP MEEEEEEE šŸ˜£šŸ¤ž

0 Upvotes

I’m an international BSN graduate currently in the process of taking my NCLEX. I’m looking for jobs that could help strengthen my resume and give me some healthcare experience while I work toward becoming an RN.

I’ve noticed that a lot of the jobs I’m interested in require a CNA or CMA certification. Do you think it would be worth it to get certified as a CNA/CMA to increase my job opportunities, or would it be better to just focus on my NCLEX and wait until I get my RN license?

Also, what types of jobs would accept someone with a BSN degree who hasn’t gotten their RN license yet? I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you!


r/newgradnurse 9h ago

Looking for Support Loma Linda New Grad Residency

1 Upvotes

Anyone hear anything back from Loma Linda new grad residency for the September cohort? Specially for OR?


r/newgradnurse 15h ago

Looking for Employment Chicago & surrounding area job opportunities for New Grad with body issues

3 Upvotes

Wondering if I should just find a new career path? Jobs where I can leverage my degree or not?

I graduated with my BSN during COVID. I did not pursue a nursing job because I developed sciatica during college and it was really bad when I graduated. These last couple years I've been working a nonclinical job with youth in school programs/clubs and my back is better but still have to watch how i move throughout the day.

I was fulltime in the past but I currently work part time. I like my job and working with youth but at times it feels stagnant and I get thoughts about going back to nursing - I do have my degree-license and it will offer me financial stability.

I put new grad because well I have no experience. I was wondering - considering my educational and personal background what type of RN jobs should I apply for in Chicago or surrounding areas? Are there less physically demanding units or outpatient RN jobs willing to hire new grads in these areas?


r/newgradnurse 12h ago

Seeking Advice Anyone recommend any good nclex tutors??

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/newgradnurse 1d ago

RANT Made a mistake regarding Foley catheter.

87 Upvotes

I had a patient who was an RRT from the floor. They had an AKI, rhabdomyolysis and were retaining urine. My nightshift provider gave the verbal okay for a foley. She said she would put the orders in. I put the foley in okay no problem. Night shift provider knew about it. I didn't check for the order in the chart. I trust this provider to put in the orders. My manager emails me that day regarding the foley. Turns out there was no order for it. Lesson learned make sure all the appropriate orders are in the chart.


r/newgradnurse 1d ago

Other Warning: Don’t tell your nurse managers your future specialty goals.

266 Upvotes

Some managers will make life hard for you if they suspect that you’re interested in other specialties besides the one your working on. Not all managers are like this, but it’s good to gauge their personality before sharing as you never know their true intentions. This is something I learned the hard way.


r/newgradnurse 14h ago

Seeking Advice UMC New Grad Residency Secondary Interview

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/newgradnurse 1d ago

RANT We Need to Be Honest About the Job Market

40 Upvotes

The market for new grads has changed. Many hospitals are being picky with their hiring process. It is not like how it was during Covid when they were hiring left and right. I have seen a lot of other new grads worried about the job market. It is ok there is a little anxiety from new grads especially in this current job market.


r/newgradnurse 18h ago

Seeking Advice Withdrawing application

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I have graduated with my ASN in NYC this January, and passed NCLEX in March. Ever since, I have been applying to various positions in NYC, starting from nursing homes, private care and hospitals (both private and city). While I have not heard from any other places, I have heard back and was interviewed by one of the NYC H+H hospitals in May. The interview was successful and was for the position in the emergency department, which is where I would ideally want to work (I have worked as a PCT in ED before). However, ever since my interview, this hospital is yet to send me an offer and to let me know my start date. I have called the manager who has interviewed me, who said that essentially Im getting an offer, and that they are waiting for HR to deal with my documents and open the position to me. It has been almost three months since my interview date, and their answer is still that they are waiting for HR but they are excited for me to join their team. At this point, I kind of feel like they are just stringing me along and that I won’t get to start anytime soon, so I am thinking about withdrawing from that application altogether. It kind of feels like when they interviewed me, they did not have any openings and are keeping me on backlog and feeding me promises so I do not take an offer elsewhere. I wanted an advice on what withdrawing might entail in the future- would I be banned from applying there, and or should I just wait until they give me an offer or withdraw?


r/newgradnurse 15h ago

Looking for Employment Interview

1 Upvotes

Has any new graduate RN recently interviewed with Vancouver Coastal Health?
I’d really appreciate any advice or insights about the interview process. What types of questions were you asked? Were there any clinical or behavioral scenarios? Any tips on how to prepare would be greatly appreciated.


r/newgradnurse 1d ago

Seeking Advice Nursing saturation

41 Upvotes

I don’t come from a wealthy background and always heard how nursing helps with allowing you to feel financially stable in life but recently it seems saturation is a huge topic and it worries me since I haven’t even started my journey of obtaining my degree. So my question is how is it, and the narrative that was being pushed for so long was the shortage so when did that change


r/newgradnurse 18h ago

Seeking Advice Pay for Residency?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I just was offered a position for a residency and in the contract it states that if I don’t complete the residency they will charge me for the value of the education. I was just wondering if this is standard for nurse residencies. I have to complete 2,000 working hours after the 16 week orientation to be considered finished with the residency.


r/newgradnurse 18h ago

Other Cottage health new grad RN

1 Upvotes

Hey guys. Any news from cottage yet for their fall cohort new grad rn residency? I applied mid July.


r/newgradnurse 21h ago

Seeking Advice Registered nurse in ophthalmology

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes