Earning your nursing degree is one of the most important steps in your career as a nurse, but it is only the beginning. What comes next can be confusing, so we've compiled a comprehensive walkthrough that will help you navigate your path to putting that hard-earned degree to use.
As you navigate this series, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to manage your nursing credentials, navigate nursing specialties, choose between a variety of new grad nurse residency programs, and ace nursing interviews.
In addition to this 8-step program, we've also created Trusted for New Grads where you can get access to a nursing resume builder, nurse salary insights, and RN-approved nursing guides.
- 01 You've passed the NCLEX. Now what? Congratulations! You’ve not only come out on the other side of a rigorous and difficult education, but you’re now officially a…
- 02 Managing your (new!) credentials Nursing school is (supposed to be) the hard part; getting licensed to start your career shouldn’t be. Here are all the things to keep…
- 03 Discovering the right specialty for you A career in the nursing profession affords various opportunities by care setting, specialty, role, and type of nursing. Many of these…
- 04 Finding new grad nurse residency programs Nurse Residency Programs (also known as New Grad Nurse Programs or New Grad Nurse Residencies) are formalized extensions of nursing…
- 05 Preparing for your interview We know how exciting and intimidating (did we mention exciting?) the hiring process can be as a new grad. You're one step closer to…
- 06 Relocating for your residency program You’ve landed your first job, picked a residency, and figured out all your licensing and credentialing―next up: Party like it’s shift…
- 07 What to expect from your residency program So, you've found and been accepted into a nursing residency program. The next several months of your work life will be very exciting.…
- 08 Alternative nursing opportunities While you’ve likely heard all about the benefits of a new grad residency program, you don’t have to wait to be accepted into one, or…
Once you're licensed, see licensure requirements by state, what nurses earn, or browse nursing specialties.