Nursing Careers FAQs

Qualifications

• What are you looking for in a nursing candidate?

  We are looking for nurses who bring a passion for pediatric nursing, excellent communication skills, and experience working with children and families.

• What is the difference between an RN I and RN II?

  The RN I title is reserved for new graduates in our year-long nursing residency program. In addition to hands-on experience in clinical units, RN I nurses receive structured mentorship and learning experiences.

  -See current RN I nursing residency openings

  The RN II role is a permanent position for nurses with at least one year of clinical experience.

  - See current RN II openings
  - Learn more about our nursing titles

• Is a BSN preferred?

  Yes, a BSN is preferred. However, there are many factors, such as clinical experience, that we will consider individually.

• Does Children’s National hire licensed practical nurses?

  Yes, we hire LPNs in Children’s Outpatient Centers in Annapolis, Laurel, Rockville, Fairfax, Upper Marlboro, Spring Valley, and Frederick.
  
  Search current LPN Openings.

• Do I need to have a Washington D.C. RN license to apply?

  No, you just need to be eligible to receive a local RN license by the time you start working here. New graduate nurses can even apply before graduation. Just show you will:
  
  -Graduate in the next six months
  -Be able to obtain your local RN license by your start date
  

Online Search Questions and Answers

• How do I apply for an opening?

  Once you’ve found a job you’re interested in: 

  1. Click the “Apply” link at the bottom of the job listing.
  2. The online tool will guide you through the process of setting up an online profile and submitting an application. 

  If you have any questions, just contact our nurse recruiter, Jill Titone Board, at jtitone@childrensnational.org.

• How many applications can I submit?

  You can apply to 5 different units, just don’t send multiple applications to the same unit. Wait until you get a “position filled” email about one of your applications, before applying for another position in that unit.

• What is the process once I apply?

  After you submit your online application: 

  1. A member of the nurse recruitment staff will review your application. 
  2. We’ll email you to let you know you if you meet the minimum requirements and your application is being considered. 
  3. A manager will contact you directly to set up an interview. After the interview, the manager will give a report of the interview to a nurse recruiter.  
  4. The nurse recruiter then contacts the candidate with a hiring decision.

• How can I check the status of my application?

  Log back into our job board with the username and password you created (when you applied) to check on your application. If your application is labeled “active,” it’s being considered by unit leadership.

   Log in now

• What does "ERP$$$" stand for?

  ERP$$$ flags positions with an Employee Referral Bonus. If a current Children’s National employee refers you for the job, they’ll get a bonus when you’re hired. So, make sure to include his or her name on your application.

• When and how long are positions posted?

  New openings are posted on Wednesdays. They remain listed online until they’re filled or the unit has received plenty of applications.

• The position I was applying to disappeared. What happened?

  The position was either filled or taken off of the web site because the unit already has enough applications.

• How do I search open positions?

  Our online job listing shows openings across our health system. You can browse all openings, or search by keyword, location, status, or shift.

  • See all nursing openings
  • Customize your search

Professional Development Opportunities Questions and Answers

• Does Children’s National offer tuition assistance?

  Yes. We offer tuition assistance to our part-time and full-time registered nurses after six months of employment. Children’s National will pay for two classes per semester, or six classes a year, at any accredited institution.

• When is the next fellowship starting? How do I apply?

  Start dates for our nursing fellowships vary: 

  • Critical Care Fellowships are offered twice a year 
  • OR Fellowships are also offered twice a year 
  • Our NICU Fellowship is usually offered once a year 

  These RNII positions are posted as they become available.  

  Nurses with 2+ years of recent clinical experience can apply by submitting an application for a RN II position in the respective unit. However, the OR does designate “fellowship” positions in its job listings.

  
  

  See current RNII openings

For Nursing Students

• Do you set up shadowing experiences?

  No, shadowing experiences are arranged as part of the interview process.

• How do I arrange a clinical rotation for nursing school?

  Contact the Department of Nursing Education and Professional Development at either 202-476-3523 or nsdr@childrensnational.org.

• Does Children’s have an externship/summer program for nursing students?

  Yes, our Summer Nurse Trainee Program (formerly called Child Care Tech (CCT) program) is a 12- to 14-week paid summer externship for nursing students who: 

  - Are at least halfway through their nursing program 

  - Have completed a medical/surgical and/or pediatric clinical rotation 

  After several days of orientation, students work closely with a nurse manager, preceptor, and supervisor to experience life as a pediatric nurse and engage directly with patients.

• Can I start at Children's National while I'm still in nursing school?

  Absolutely! After the first year of your nursing program, apply for a part-time safety attendant position. You can work as a patient sitter in our inpatient units, for as little as 8 hours a week, while you complete your studies. 

  Look for Safety Attendant openings

  One you’re halfway through your program, you can apply for our Summer Nurse Trainee Programs (formerly called Child Care Technician summer program). Apply the preceding January or February for a 12- to 14-week paid summer externship that shows you first-hand what it’s like to work as a pediatric nurse at Children’s National. 

  Look for opportunities for nursing students

• How do I apply for the Summer Nurse Trainee Programs?

  Applications are only accepted for posted positions. These summer openings are typically posted in January or February.

  Note: This program was formerly called the Child Care Tech Program

New Graduate Residency Program

• Does Children’s National have a Nursing Residency Program?

  Yes, our New Graduate Nursing Residency is a one-year program supporting new graduates’ transition from nursing student to professional nurse.Along with lectures, clinical rotations, and self-directed research, this program includes a one-on-one preceptorship to give first-year nurses hands-on, clinical experience. At the end of the program, most of our units hire nursing residents to fill permanent jobs.

  - Learn more about the Nursing Residency Program

  The New Graduate Nurse Residency Program is available for Acute Care and Critical Care areas and is offered several times throughout the year. Applications are accepted throughout the year and nurses are placed into the next upcoming cohort as applicable to their hired specialty.

  Openings are listed online as RN I and RN I/II positions. To apply, search for RN I or RN I/II openings and send your applications to up to five different units.

  - See RN I and RN I/II openings

• How do I apply for the New Graduate Residency program?

  Openings in our nursing residency are listed online as RN I and RN I/II positions. To apply, search for RN I or RN I/II openings and send your applications to up to five different units.

  - See RN I and RN I/II openings

• I do not see any RN I or RN I/II positions posted, did I miss them?

  Not necessarily. Positions in our nursing residency program are posted as they become available. In the fall, you’ll find openings for the upcoming winter session. Opportunities in our summer residency program are posted as available between January and July.

Patient Care Technician

• What is the hiring process for Patient Care Technicians (PCTS)?

  After you submit your online application: 

  1. A member of the recruitment team will review your application. 
  2. Qualified candidates are invited in for a preliminary interview and screening. 
  3. After the interview, qualified candidates are shared with unit managers.  

  Unit managers reach out to any candidates they want to interview and make the final hiring decision.

• What are the qualifications for a patient care technician position?

  The patient care technician position requires a:

  - High school diploma or GED
  - Certification as an EMT or CNA
  - Minimum of one year’s experience in a healthcare setting