Is it Hard to Get Your First Nursing Job?

Is it Hard to Get Your First Nursing Job?

Starting your career in nursing is an exciting and meaningful step—but for many recent graduates, the big question is: “Will I be able to get hired right away?” If you’re asking that, you’re not alone. The good news? With the right preparation, education, and support system—like what we offer at Sumner College—you’re already on the right path.

What the Numbers Say

Nationally, the demand for nurses remains strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nursing jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. That’s about 193,100 job openings per year, primarily to replace retiring nurses and meet healthcare demand.

However, getting your first job right out of nursing school can still be competitive—especially in saturated metro areas or certain specialties. A 2023 survey by the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) found that over 72% of BSN graduates had job offers at the time of graduation, and nearly 94% had offers within 4-6 months.

What About Oregon?

Oregon, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a critical nursing shortage, especially in rural areas and long-term care. The Oregon Center for Nursing reports that Oregon will need an estimated 6,000 new nurses by 2030 just to keep up with demand. The Oregon Employment Department projects that registered nurse employment in Oregon will grow 12% by 2031—double the national rate.

This means strong opportunity, especially for new nurses who are well-prepared and connected to clinical networks.

How Sumner College Supports Your First Job

At Sumner College, we know that a nursing degree is just the beginning. That’s why we’ve built our nursing programs to do more than meet academic standards—we partner with leading clinical sites to give you real-world experience and employer exposure before you even graduate.

Some of our clinical partners include:

Legacy Health
Providence Health & Services
OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University)
Kaiser Permanente
Salem Health
PeaceHealth

Through these partnerships, our students gain hands-on experience in acute care, long-term care, mental health, and community health environments. You’re not just learning nursing—you’re building your network, resume, and confidence.

Tips for Landing Your First Nursing Job

Here’s how to make your transition from graduate to employed nurse as smooth as possible:

✅ Start early: Leverage clinical placements to make a great impression. Many students get job offers from their clinical sites.

✅ Customize your resume: Tailor it for each job, and include your clinical rotations, certifications, and volunteer work.

✅ Get licensed quickly: Take the NCLEX as soon as you’re ready—many employers won’t hire without proof of licensure.

✅ Be flexible: Consider night shifts, float pools, or rural placements to get your foot in the door.

✅ Use your school’s resources: At Sumner, our Career Services team supports resume writing, job search strategy, and interview prep—even after graduation.

You’re Not Alone—We’re With You

The journey to your first nursing job may have its challenges, but with Sumner College’s strong academic foundation, clinical experience, and career support, you’re never facing them alone. Most of our graduates find employment quickly—and many go on to pursue advanced degrees or leadership roles in healthcare.

Ready to Start Your Nursing Career?

If you’re thinking about nursing school or are currently enrolled, know this: your future in nursing is bright. And at Sumner College, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way.

📞 Call us or visit www.sumnercollege.edu to learn more about our Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.