From Nursing School to Hired: The Ultimate Guide to Landing Your First Job

Travis Bullock
Mar 9
4 min read

So, you’ve survived nursing school—the exams, the clinicals, the 12-hour shifts where your only meal was a stale granola bar from your backpack. You’ve endured instructors who could smell fear and preceptors who could start an IV with their eyes closed. And now?

It’s time for the next big challenge: landing your first nursing job.

But here’s the plot twist no one warns you about: Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean hospitals are lining up to hire you. In fact, new grad nursing jobs can be surprisingly competitive. You need more than just a diploma—you need a strategy.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down the must-do steps to transform you from "hopeful job seeker" to "hired and confidently wearing your badge."

Step 1: The Resume That Gets You Noticed

Your resume is the first impression you make on a recruiter. Think of it as your professional hype sheet—but if it looks like it was thrown together in 10 minutes, your dream job is going straight to someone else.

What your resume needs:

• A professional, easy-to-read format (No weird fonts. Comic Sans = instant rejection.)

• A strong summary statement that highlights your strengths (Example: "Compassionate RN with hands-on experience in acute care and a passion for patient advocacy.")

• Relevant clinical experience (Hospitals want to know you can handle real patients, not just that you aced your pharmacology class.)

• Key nursing skills (IV therapy, medication administration, patient education—list the good stuff!)

• Certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS—show them you’re ready to work.)

Pro tip: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying to a critical care unit, emphasize your ICU clinical experience. If it’s a med-surg role, highlight your time in acute care rotations.

Need help with your resume? That’s where Scrub to Success comes in. We craft standout nursing resumes that get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and impress recruiters. Because your career deserves better than a basic template.

Step 2: The Cover Letter That Doesn’t Scream "Copy and Paste"

Let’s be real: Most cover letters are painfully boring.

If yours starts with, “I am excited to apply for this position at [insert hospital name]…”, recruiters have already checked out.

Instead, grab their attention with something personal and genuine.

Example Opening Line:"During my clinical rotations, I had a moment that defined why I chose nursing. A patient was terrified before surgery, and I sat with them, explained the procedure, and held their hand as they went under anesthesia. That was the day I knew I wanted to work in patient-centered care."

Why it works:

• It’s personal and engaging

• It shows your passion for nursing

• It makes you stand out from generic applications

Pro Tip: Keep it short and to the point—one page max! Use Scrub to Success to help craft a cover letter that doesn’t get tossed in the "meh" pile.

Step 3: The Interview That Gets You Hired

You got the call—they want to interview you!

Now it’s time to not panic and actually prepare.

Common Nursing Interview Questions (And How to Nail Them):

• “Tell me about yourself.”

- How to answer: Don’t just repeat your resume. Share why you became a nurse, your strengths, and what excites you about the role.

• “Give an example of a time you handled a difficult patient.”

- How to answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Show them how you stayed calm, professional, and effective.

• “Why do you want to work here?”

- How to answer: Research the hospital! Talk about their values, mission, and why you’re a good fit. Don’t just say, “Because I need a job.”

Pro Tip: Practice with Scrub to Success—our 1-on-1 mock interview coaching will help you ace even the toughest questions.

Step 4: The Follow-Up That Seals the Deal

A thank-you email after an interview is like a good bedside manner—it might not be required, but it makes all the difference.

• Thank them for their time

• Mention something specific from the interview

• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role

Example:"Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. I really enjoyed learning more about your team’s approach to patient-centered care. After our conversation, I’m even more excited about the possibility of joining your unit. I look forward to the next steps!"

It’s simple, polite, and keeps you fresh in their minds.

Step 5: The Waiting Game (And What to Do in the Meantime)

Waiting to hear back is the worst. It’s like waiting for NCLEX results, except now your future job is on the line.

Here’s what to do instead of stalking your email every five minutes:

Keep applying! Even if that hospital is your dream job, never stop sending out applications.
Network! Connect with other nurses on LinkedIn and join nursing career groups.
Sharpen your skills! Take an online CEU course or get certified in a specialty area.

And if you don’t get the job?It’s okay. Seriously. Every nurse gets rejected at some point. Keep improving your resume, interview skills, and networking—your perfect job is out there.