Nursing Careers FAQs

For Nursing Students

• Can I start at Children's National Hospital 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 November 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

• Does Children’s National 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.

• How do I apply for the LAUNCH Nurse Trainee Program?

  The application for the 2023 LAUNCH Nurse Trainee position will be posted from Monday, November  7 through Monday, December 5, 2022.

  Please note: The application is posted under the job field category of Internship/Trainee. Applications are only accepted through this posting. All applications will be reviewed by the Nurse Recruitment team. Selected candidates will then be invited to participate in the interview process. 

  All questions regarding the LAUNCH Nurse Trainee Program should be directed to [email protected].

• 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 [email protected].

• Do you set up shadowing experiences?

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

Online Search Questions and Answers

• 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

• 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 recruitment team at [email protected].

• How do I attach letters of recommendation?

  Applicants may upload letters of recommendation via the job application portal at any time. This process involves uploading PDF or Word files under "file attachments." We are only able to accept actual letters of recommendation. For positions that require letters, a list of reference names only will not be sufficient.

• Is an unofficial transcript acceptable?

  Yes, at the time of application an unofficial transcript is acceptable.

• How many applications can I submit?

  There is no limit to the number of applications.

• 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

• 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.

Patient Care Technician

• 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

• 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.

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

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.

• 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
  

• 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 Specialty Care Locations in Annapolis, Laurel, Rockville, Fairfax, Upper Marlboro, Spring Valley, and Frederick.
  
  Search current LPN Openings.

• 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