Our Students – Supporting Your Career, Now and After Graduation
Our students are encouraged to explore career opportunities within Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), both while completing their studies and after graduation. Whether you’re seeking part-time work to gain clinical experience or preparing for your first RN role, we help connect you with meaningful employment options across our healthcare system.
Our Prospective Colleagues – Join Our Mission, Shape the Future of Nursing
Our faculty and staff are more than employees; they are mentors, innovators, and mission-driven professionals dedicated to preparing the next generation of nurses. Whether you’re leading in the classroom, supporting students behind the scenes, or advancing our academic and clinical partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare while building a rewarding career of your own.
Working While in College
Many St. John’s students take advantage of job opportunities within HSHS St. John’s Hospital and across the HSHS system. These roles offer valuable exposure to the clinical environment, helping to build confidence, skills, and professional connections.
Opportunities Based on Student Level:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): May qualify for part-time or per diem nursing roles within HSHS.
- Pre-Licensure BSN Students: Often work as nursing assistants or patient care technicians.
- Students Nearing Graduation: May apply for externship positions, offering hands-on clinical immersion in the final phases of the program.
Students are encouraged to discuss their eligibility and readiness for employment with their academic advisor or faculty mentor.
Finding a Job at HSHS
HSHS offers an online job search portal where you can filter by location, role type (e.g., “Student Nurse,” “Tech,” “Extern”), and shift.
To search and apply:
Visit the HSHS Careers Portal
- Use filters such as Location = Springfield and Category = Nursing Support or Student.
- Submit your online application with a current resume and transcript, if requested.
Visit the Job Shadowing and Internships at HSHS to help you choose your career path
Certifications and Job Requirements
Specific roles may require additional documentation or certifications. Common examples include:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: Often required for clinical roles.
- Student Nurse Externships: Typically require completion of specific nursing coursework or a specified number of clinical hours.
Students can obtain BLS certification through approved training centers. If needed, contact your clinical coordinator or the Dean of Students for recommendations.
After Graduation
Graduating from St. John’s College isn’t the end of your journey—it’s your launchpad into a rewarding nursing career within the HSHS system. The St. John’s graduates are positioned as top candidates for immediate hire into full-time RN roles at HSHS hospitals and clinics.
We work closely with HSHS leadership to streamline the transition from student to staff nurse. Many of our students are offered positions before graduation, and targeted onboarding pathways help new nurses thrive in high-need areas such as:
- Medical-Surgical and Step-Down Units
- Emergency, Critical Care, and Operating Rooms
- Women’s and Children’s Services
- Primary and Specialty Clinics
HSHS actively recruits St. John’s students because of their clinical readiness, values-based training, and deep understanding of the organization’s mission. You’re not just applying for a job—you’re stepping into a health ministry that knows you and supports your continued growth.
As part of that commitment, the HSHS Illinois Division Nursing Student Scholarship offers up to $10,000 toward educational expenses for students who pledge to work at an HSHS Illinois Division hospital after graduation and licensure. The scholarship is awarded each semester to qualified students, with a priority application window from March 1 – April 15, 2025.
Our faculty and career advisors will support you every step of the way—from licensure prep to job placement—so you can graduate ready, confident, and employed.