HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH OVERVIEW
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. The network has 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations, which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, physical rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers, physician practice locations, and a fitness and wellness center. With more than 36,000 team members and 7,000 physicians, Hackensack Meridian Health is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy and committed to the health and well-being of communities throughout New Jersey.
For additional information, please visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org.WHY JOIN HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
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Gain experiencewithin one of the most reputable health care organizations in the country
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Work on real projects that will helpbuild valuable skill setsand knowledge for your career
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Network with leading practitionersin the health care industry
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Make important contributionsto your team’s goals from your first day
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prepare for leadershiproles and unlock your full potential for career advancement.
current opportunities
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Launch your healthcare career with Hackensack Meridian Health. We offer a wide range of entry-level positions, from clinical roles to administrative support. Gain valuable experience and professional development within a leading healthcare network dedicated to exceptional patient care and innovation. Explore our early career programs and discover a path to a fulfilling future at Hackensack Meridian Health.
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An internship is a work or service experience in which a student participates at a Hackensack Meridian Health location as an active team member contributing to meaningful and substantial projects. Internships can vary in duration, hours worked per week and responsibilities. Some internships can be offered for college credit.
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Nurse Externship Program
The HMH student nurse externship program offers nursing students an opportunity to earn while learning. Under the direction of a registered nurse partner, student nurses are oriented to the hospital setting and are supervised to practice selected skills that will help gain confidence caring for patients in an acute care environment.
The application period for the 2025 Nurse Externship Program is now closed.
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From day one, we are dedicated to supporting the careers of our nurses – especially our newest nurses. To help bridge the gap between classroom and career, we created the New Graduate Nursing Residency Program.
Open to graduating nursing students of accredited institutions, this 12-month program allows residents to have supplemental learning, interactive chats and increased support to ease the transition into nursing practice. The residency includes:
- Three 12-hour shifts per week on the unit the nurse is hired to
- Three experience days to observe other units
- Frequent communication and support from administration and educators
- One-on-one meetings with our program director
- Live journal club
- Educational modules
- Peer support for professional growth and promoting self-care
- Bimonthly case studies to promote critical thinking
Surrounded by fellow new graduates in an environment that promotes collaboration, growth and development, you’ll make a smooth transition from student to registered nurse. You’ll also gain valuable clinical experience while being supported at every step.
- Raritan Bay Medical Center – Perth Amboy
- Old Bridge Medical Center – Old Bridge
- Southern Ocean Medical Center – Manahawkin
- Bayshore Medical Center – Holmdel
- Hackensack University Medical Center – Hackensack
- Riverview Medical Center – Red Bank
- Palisades Medical Center – North Bergen
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Neptune
- JFK University Medical Center – Edison
- Ocean University Medical Center – Brick
This program is open to individuals with a nursing degree (AAS, BS or MS). A valid New Jersey Nursing license is required before starting the program. New Registered Nurses hired without a BSN will be required to obtain this degree within three years of employment.
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Florence M. Cook School of Medical Laboratory Science
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GET A HEAD START TO YOUR HEALTH CARE CAREER AS A PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN!
Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to offer the Earn While You Learn program to students who are looking to build their on-the-job skills while acquiring a nursing degree. Offering paid positions early in their education, our program provides many benefits for students, including:
- Opportunities to earn wages while building valuable experience
- Flexible job options with manageable schedules
- Working within a leading health care network
If you are a nursing student, apply below!
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Jumpstart your Allied Health career with Hackensack Meridian Health. We offer various opportunities for early-career professionals, including respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, pharmacy technicians, and more. Gain hands-on experience, collaborate with leading experts, and develop your skills within a dynamic healthcare network. Explore our Allied Health roles and build a rewarding career at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Early Careers Spotlight
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Meizzy Wanson
New Grad RN
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Katrina Schieni
New Grad RN
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Krishna Vishwakarma
Digital Technology Services (DTS) Intern
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Alaina Moya
Patient Safety and Quality Intern
Which HMH hospital are you currently based?
Hackensack University Medical Center
How has your transition from nurse extern / nursing student to New Grad RN Residency been?
I successfully transitioned from Student Nurse Extern to Patient Care Technician, and ultimately to Registered Nurse. During my senior year of nursing school, I worked as a PCT, which allowed me to strengthen my clinical skills and gain valuable hands-on experience. Combining the knowledge and skills from my externship with my time as a PCT made my transition to the RN role smoother and gave me a strong foundation, allowing me more capacity to focus on learning and developing new skills.
What are the top 2 to 3 skills that you learned in your externship that you are utilizing as a New Grad RN?
The top skills I developed and now apply in my role as an RN include accurate charting and documentation, proficient use of the EPIC system, performing thorough patient assessments, and communicating with patients effectively and confidently.
What is the best thing about working as a New Grad RN at HMH?
The best part of working as a new graduate at HMH is the wealth of resources available for advancing along the clinical ladder. The supportive environment encourages asking questions and practicing hands-on skills until you feel confident. Additionally, the residency program is instrumental in shaping us into skilled, well-rounded nurses as we transition from nursing school to professional practice.
What are your future career goals?
In the future, I plan to further my education and pursue an advanced degree, as I am passionate about becoming a Nurse Educator or Clinical Educator.
Do you have anything else that you want to share with us about your team member experience?
Externing at Hackensack Meridian Health has been instrumental in advancing my career. The program allowed me to transition from a Student Nurse Extern to a Patient Care Technician, and ultimately to a Registered Nurse after graduating and passing the NCLEX. It gave me the opportunity to apply my nursing school knowledge in a hands-on setting, strengthen my skills in delegation, time management, shift reporting, and patient communication, and build confidence in the acute care environment. I was able to work closely with a dedicated preceptor who encouraged learning and supported my professional growth. Remaining within the same hospital system allowed me to become familiar with its policies, workflows, and culture, while also building meaningful professional connections and accessing resources to advance on the clinical ladder.
Would you recommend HMH's Summer Externship to nursing students?
Yes
Which HMH hospital are you currently based?
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
How has your transition from nurse extern / nursing student to New Grad RN Residency been?
My experience from being a nurse extern and nursing student to becoming a New Grad RN Resident has been both exciting and challenging. Although my externship provided me with a strong foundation in the skills and experiences of the unit, the RN role has introduced me to increased responsibilities and decision-making. The residency program has offered me support, mentorship, and opportunities to enhance my confidence in clinical judgment. In summary, it has been a fulfilling learning experience that is aiding my development into a competent and independent nurse.
What are the top 2 to 3 skills that you learned in your externship that you are utilizing as a New Grad RN?
Throughout my externship, I developed strong prioritization and time management skills, which have been essential in the dynamic setting of the emergency department. I also enhanced my communication skills that enable me to work effectively with the healthcare team and deliver clear, empathetic updates to patients and their families. Moreover, I developed skills in conducting focused assessments, which allowed me to recognize urgent needs and initiate timely interventions to guarantee safe and effective patient care. I am utilizing all of these skills now, if not more, in my new position as a New Grad RN.
What is the best thing about working as a New Grad RN at HMH?
The best thing about being a new graduate registered nurse at HMH is the supportive and collaborative culture, which encourages professional development. The residency program provides learning opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experience that helps with the transition from nursing student and extern to RN. Working alongside skilled and compassionate colleagues creates an environment where questions are encouraged, teamwork is valued, and patient care is always given first priority. This supportive atmosphere makes it possible to learn, grow, and thrive while delivering high-quality care to the community.
What are your future career goals?
My future career goals include working as a preceptor, sharing the knowledge and abilities I have gained while assisting new nurses in their transition into practice. I also am passionate about furthering my education and I intend to go back to school to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. By combining clinical knowledge with mentorship, I hope to make a positive impact on both my patients and the next generation of nurses.
Would you recommend HMH's Summer Externship to nursing students?
Yes
Can you describe your academic background?
I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology, with an expected graduation in December 2025. My academic journey has been driven by a strong focus on Data Engineering, Big Data and Analytics, as well as Software Engineering.
What were some of your internship responsibilities?
As a Data Analyst Intern at Hackensack Meridian Health, I’m working on the U.S. News Best Hospitals project. My responsibilities include analyzing the U.S. News ranking methodology, evaluating hospital performance within the Hackensack network, and determining where the group stands in national rankings through detailed data analysis.
How was your experience interning at Hackensack Meridian Health?
My experience has been both insightful and rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to work with real-world healthcare data, contribute to strategic performance assessments, and gain firsthand experience in using analytics to support hospital decision-making.
How has interning at Hackensack Meridian Health helped advance your career so far?
This internship has significantly advanced my understanding of healthcare analytics. It has strengthened my ability to convert complex data into actionable insights and improved my skills in data storytelling, strategic analysis, and working with healthcare performance metrics.
What are your career goals, or where do you see your career going in the future?
I aim to become a data engineer or analytics lead in the healthcare sector. I’m fascinated by the volume of data hospitals produce daily and the potential insights it holds. Healthcare is personally meaningful to me-while I couldn’t help people as a doctor, I now strive to support better care outcomes through my skills in data and technology.
Can you describe your academic background?
I am a rising senior at NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a concentration in Social Epidemiology. I am passionate about how social structures, institutions, and relationships influence healthcare inequities across various socio-ecological levels, and I am interested in exploring how these disparities can be eliminated through avenues like policy and community initiatives. I am also in the 4+1 Masters program, receiving an MPA in Health Policy and Management with a focus on Health Services.
What were some of your internship responsibilities?
As an intern in Patient Safety & Quality, reporting to the project managers under Vice President Jenny Bernard of Women & Community Health Quality, my responsibilities are a blend of project coordination and data analysis for network-wide initiatives. I help facilitate strategic programs like the "Pathway to Employment Success" pilot by managing patient outreach and tracking performance. I also develop and distribute monthly newsletters on maternal health performance metrics to an executive audience of hospital leaders and department chairs. My role has a significant analytical component as well; for instance, to support a critical submission for the Quality Improvement Program (QIP), I conducted over 1,500 chart abstractions in less than two weeks, ensuring the team met its deadline with accurate data.
How was your experience interning at Hackensack Meridian Health?
My experience has been absolutely amazing. Every day, I meet people from diverse backgrounds and gain insight into their perspectives. It is truly inspiring to see so many different specializations coming together to achieve a common goal. I also have the security of knowing that the work I am completing is valuable to my team and integral to our workflow. It's clear that HMH truly values its interns and is committed to ensuring an enriching experience.
How has interning at Hackensack Meridian Health helped advance your career so far?
I feel very fortunate to have a wonderful team supporting my growth, and even more so to be returning for a second summer. My supervisors take extra time to check in on my progress and are always willing to include me in initiatives that I am interested in. This summer, my team thoughtfully tailored my role to better suit my academic goals. Last year, my responsibilities were centered on direct patient care coordination with the QIP-NJ team, where I helped reduce readmissions for underserved patients and tracked over 50 patient cases daily. Now, my role has evolved to support the strategic goals in Women & Community Health Quality. I get to translate complex performance data into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership through monthly reports and newsletters, and I play a key role in coordinating system-wide maternal health projects to drive meaningful improvements in care. This synergy between my hands-on experience and my education is invaluable to my professional development.
What are your career goals, or where do you see your career going in the future?
I am currently pursuing an MPA in Health Policy and Management. While I don't have a specific job title in mind, my goal is to build a career in healthcare management focused on assessing processes and creating feasible, equitable solutions to alleviate health disparities. I am already putting this into practice at HMH by supporting the Patient Safety & Quality team on network-wide initiatives that improve care for vulnerable populations. In my time here, I have witnessed significant improvements in both the quality of care and quality of life for our patients, and I am eager to continue making an impact on this path.
frequently
asked questions
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At Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), we're committed to fostering your professional development with a wide array of enriching opportunities. As a recipient of the prestigious Training APEX Award from Training Magazine—a recognition that honors top training organizations globally—we provide the tools and resources you need to thrive, from day one and throughout your career journey. We believe in empowering our team members to reach their highest potential, and our award-winning programs are designed to do just that.
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Team Hackensack Meridian University (Team HMU): Our internal university offers a robust curriculum designed to align with HMH's mission and strategic priorities. Benefit from expert instruction by qualified internal and external trainers. Specialized academies within Team HMU provide focused learning in areas such as:
- Aspiring Leader Academy
- Career Development Academy
- Computer Training Academy
- Hybrid Work Academy
- Innovation Academy
- Integrative Health Academy
- Project Management Academy
- Team Member Excellence Academy (self-enrollment courses accessible to all team members)
- HMH Mentoring Network: Connect with experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and insights to help you navigate your career path and achieve your goals. This program fosters valuable relationships and promotes both professional and personal growth.
- Pathways to RISE Leadership Development Program: This nomination-based program identifies high-potential team members and entry-level leaders and provides them with the skills and business acumen to excel in future leadership roles.
- Curated Learning Journeys: Explore self-enrollment learning paths focused on specific areas of interest, such as the Aspiring Inclusive Leader Learning Journey.
- LinkedIn Learning: Access thousands of online courses for free, covering diverse topics from technical skills to leadership development. Expand your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve with this invaluable resource.
- Grow with Google Certificate Programs: HMH partners with Google to offer free access to professional certificate programs in high-demand tech fields to full-time and part-time team members. Choose from a variety of courses, including:
- Google IT Support
- Google Data Analytics
- Google Project Management
- Google IT Automation with Python
- Google User Experience Design
- Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce
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There could be different steps during the application and interview process depending on a particular position, but the process is typically as follows:
Step 1:
Browse through our Current Opportunities tab, apply for a position that is best suited for your qualifications and submit your resume.
Step 2:
If your academic and/or professional background matches the qualifications for a position, you could be contacted to participate in the interviewing process, which is usually a phone interview followed by an in-person interview with the hiring manager.
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At Hackensack Meridian Health, we believe in fostering the growth and development of our early career professionals. We focus on the 5 C's – our core beliefs and a framework designed to help you build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career journey. Here's what they mean to us:
By focusing on these 5 C's, you'll gain valuable skills and experience that will propel your career forward. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we're committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to cultivate these essential qualities and achieve your full potential.
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Throughout the year, Hackensack Meridian Health offers many early-career positions, typically including:
We attend many career and internship fairs throughout the year. Please refer to our Events Calendar for upcoming fairs we're attending.
- Internships in Non-Clinical Areas, such as IT, Marketing, HR, and Research
- Summer and Winter Nurse Externships
- Apprenticeships in Sterile Processing and Emergency Medical Services
- New Graduate Nurse Residency
- Patient Care Technician Roles through our Earn While You Learn Pathway
- Allied Health Roles, such as Respiratory Therapist, Radiologic Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging Aide, and Pharmacy Technician
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We attend many career and internship fairs throughout the year. Please refer to our Events Calendar for upcoming fairs we're attending.
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Stay Connected and you'll receive information about future internships, externships and other positions based on your interest.
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You can email EarlyCareers@hmhn.org with any additional questions.
STAY CONNECTED
From roles that are right for you to new opportunities, join our talent community and stay up to date with job openings and more.