Nurse Residencies with Lots of Job Chances for New Grads

Nurse Residencies with Lots of Job Chances for New Grads

Nurse residencies are competitive, but they offer great job experience for new graduate nurses. Take a look at our list of nurse residencies that give you the best opportunities. A study from the Journal of Nursing found that 30% of new graduates quit nursing within the first year, and 57% leave by the end of the second year. This is an important way to measure how many nurses stay and how many leave healthcare facilities. However, nurse residency programs can help with this problem. They can stop nurses from leaving and help healthcare facilities make more money. These programs help new nurses move from learning in school to working in a hospital.

We used a special way to rank the best nurse residency programs. This helps new nurses find the right residency. Our way of ranking looks at important things that two nurses, Joelle Jean and Keith Carlson, say new nurses should think about when choosing a job. These things are: what degree you need, how much experience you can have, how many units are in the program, how many places have the program, how many groups of nurses start at once, and if you get some automatic experience.

Learn about how a residency program can make you better at your job, happier at work, and better at making decisions. Or you can go to our list of the best nurse residency programs.

How Do Nurse Residency Programs Work?

Nurse residency programs teach new nurses in three important areas:

1. Becoming better at their job
   2. Helping patients more
   3. Being a leader in nursing

These programs can last from 6 to 12 months. During this time, nurses learn how to work better with patients and families and use the hospital’s rules and technology.

Hospitals that offer nurse residency programs talk about them on their websites. This is something they do better than other healthcare places. A residency program helps new nurses by giving them support in the hospital and showing them how things work.

Nurse residents do different things to learn. They go to class, work with patients, and do fake medical situations. They also learn about things like how to use time well, fix problems, make good choices, and follow the rules.

Residency programs are important for new nurses because they help them learn more, make better choices, and grow in their job.

Find out more about nurse residency programs, like what they include:

1. Learning in a classroom, then practicing with a teacher
   2. Taking care of patients with a teacher, then doing it on their own
   3. Doing fake medical situations to learn how to make good choices
   4. Learning things like how to manage time, solve problems, make good choices, and follow the rules
   5. Training to move from learning to working

Why Is Nurse Residency Accreditation Important?

The American Academy of Nurses says nurse residency programs should be accredited. This means they follow good education, have high standards, and measure things well.

Right now, residency programs don’t have to be accredited. But it’s a good idea because it makes sure the program is good. All the programs on our list are accredited.

Accredited programs:

1. Last from 6 to 12 months
   2. Keep 95% of nurses after one year
   3. Teach about leadership, being a professional, and helping patients
   4. Follow rules made by a nursing group
   5. Help new nurses go from beginners to experts

What to Look For in a Nurse Residency Program

Here are some important things to think about when choosing a nurse residency program. These things help rank the best programs for new nurses.

1. What Degree Do You Need?

Find out what degree you need to join the program. Some programs need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while others accept an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

2. How Much Experience Can You Have?

Nurse residency programs are for new nurses with less than a year of experience.

3. Is the Program Accredited?

All the programs on our list are accredited by nursing organizations. This means they’re held to high standards and measure things well.

4. Can You Get In Easily?

Some programs need an application, while others take all new nurses. Programs with easy entry are good because they teach important things.

5. How Many Groups Start Together?

Find out how often new groups of nurses start. This tells you when you can join.

6. Can You Choose a Specialty?

Some programs let you pick a department to work in. Check if the program has what you want.

Maximizing Your Learning During Clinical Rotations

Top Nurse Residency Programs for New Nurses

Here are the top programs for new nurses with no paid experience:

1. Penn State Health

New nurses can join this program if they have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). There are 12 meetings, an evidence-based project, and a plan for getting better at your job. You can go to one of four places in Pennsylvania.

Degree: ADN
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: Four
Units: 12
Automatic Entry: Yes

2. BJC Health

In St. Louis, Missouri, this program is for new nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). There are 11 places to work. You can join in your last year of nursing school.

Degree: BSN (preferred)
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: 10
Units: 11
Automatic Entry: Yes

3. Jefferson Health

You can work in 10 places in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You have to finish the program to work there.

Degree: BSN (preferred)
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: 10
Units: You have to finish the program to work there.
Automatic Entry: Yes

4. Luminus Health

This program is in Maryland. You can join with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). There are two places to work.

Degree: ADN
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: Two
Units: You can join if you get a job offer.
Automatic Entry: Yes

5. North Memorial Health Hospital, Robbinsdale

In Robbinsdale, Minnesota, new nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can join. There are meetings and projects.

Degree: ADN
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: One
Units: You join when you start.
Automatic Entry: Yes

6. Western Missouri Medical Center, Warrensburg

This program in Warrensburg, Missouri, is for new nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). You go to meetings and learn about your job. At the end, you do a project.

Degree: ADN
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: One
Units: You have to join if you’re new.
Automatic Entry: Yes

7. Tower Health

This program is in Pennsylvania. New nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can join. There are three places to work.

Degree: ADN
Experience: No paid nursing experience
Locations: Three
Units: You can join if you’re new.
Automatic Entry: Yes

Top 7 Programs for New Nurses With Less Than One Year of Paid Experience

1. Sentara Healthcare

Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Sentara Healthcare has 12 locations in North Carolina and Virginia. They automatically enroll new nurses with less than 12 months of experience in their 12-month nurse residency.

Nurses attend four-hour monthly seminars, focusing on leadership, patient outcomes, and professional roles, in addition to their regular shifts.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than one year of nursing experience
Locations: 12
Units: Nurses apply once and can be matched to any unit they would like to work with.
Automatic Entry: Yes

2. University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System owns nine participating locations across Maryland. These locations require all new nurses with less than a year of experience to complete their nurse residency program before they are promoted to clinical nurse II and, eventually, clinical leadership roles.

Their nurse residency includes monthly cohort sessions and 1:1 unit orientation.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than one year of acute care experience
Locations: Nine
Units: Nurses can apply for any open positions they qualify for.
Automatic Entry: Yes

3. Sanford Health

Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Health owns six locations across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota that all require new nurses with less than 12 months of experience to complete the nurse residency. New nurse graduates at Sanford Health are paid to attend 12 monthly seminars which cover topics like evidence-based practice, clinical reflection, and self-care.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than 12 months of nursing experience
Locations: Six
Units: 22
Automatic Entry: Yes

4. Willis-Knighton Health System

The Willis-Knighton Health System owns four participating locations across Louisiana. These locations automatically enroll nurses with less than a year of experience into the nurse residency program. The program supports new nurses with preceptor and mentor relationships, focusing on leadership, professionalism, and patient outcomes.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than one year of nursing experience
Locations: Four
Units: New grad nurses who accept a position at Willis-Knighton Health System are automatically enrolled in their nurse residency program.
Automatic Entry: Yes

5. Saint Joseph Health System

A Catholic faith-based organization, Saint Joseph Health System has five locations across Indiana. The 10-month residency supports nurses in their professional development and creates a work environment that promotes good patient outcomes. It also focuses on professional networking, nurse leadership, practice-based learning, and clinical reasoning. Nurses complete an evidence-based project as part of their nurse residency.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than one year of acute care experience
Locations: Five
Units: Newly licensed nurses hired into any position with the organization are automatically enrolled.
Automatic Entry: Yes

6. Yale New Haven Health

Yale New Haven Health owns five locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Their nurse residency program is available to nurses with less than one year of acute care experience working full or part time at one of the five participating locations.

Nurses enrolled in their residency programs participate in monthly sessions to develop their clinical and leadership skills.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than one year of acute care experience
Locations: Five
Units: Seven
Automatic Entry: Yes

7. Tampa General Hospital

Located in Tampa, Florida, Tampa General Hospital requires all new nurses with less than one year of acute experience to complete the nurse residency. The residency program includes small group sessions with other members of the cohort, monthly seminars, and guidance from mentors. These nurse mentors help foster networking and professional development.

Minimum Degree: ADN
Experience: Less than one year of acute care experience
Locations: One
Units: All new nurse graduates who accept a clinical nurse position are automatically enrolled in the nurse residency program.
Automatic Entry: Yes

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Nurse Residency Program Opportunities by State

States With the Most Nurse Residency Opportunities

Nurses who have the opportunity to move may consider states with hospitals that have the most nurse residency programs. This raises the potential for better job satisfaction, competitive salaries, and more career advancement opportunities.

The following five states have the highest number of possible nurse residency choices, according to the AACN and Vizient:

1. New York
   2. Pennsylvania
   3. Texas
   4. Maryland
   5. Virginia

Additionally, these states offer jobs for new grad nurses within large hospital systems, in metropolitan areas, and caring for a diverse population. These advantages help improve nurses’ clinical skills and critical thinking abilities. Large cities and hospital systems also offer nurses more opportunities for promotion or access to advanced education.

Applying to Nurse Residency Programs

You likely will be required to apply for the nurse residency program for your job as a new grad nurse. Most popular programs go quickly, so hospitals recommend you apply around six months in advance. You will likely be interviewed around 2-3 months before the program start date. Your application will generally require a current resume, valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, an unofficial transcript with your cumulative GPA, and a clinical narrative.

The clinical narrative is a written statement of your nursing practice that articulates your clinical skills. These are often written as a story of your care of one patient. Some programs limit eligibility to nurses with less than six months of experience on the job.

Other requirements include passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and being 18 years or older.

Admission Materials
The application process requires the submission of materials that the human resources department may not have. These include a current CPR certification, clinical narrative, unofficial transcript with cumulative GPA, and current resume.

Degree Requirements
The degree requirements vary based on the program, but most hospitals prefer BSN graduates. Those that accept ADN and BSN nurses may also have tuition reimbursement assistance for ADN nurses to advance their degrees.

Maximum Experience
Nurse residency programs are for newly licensed nurses with 0-12 months of paid nursing experience. Some nursing programs even allow nursing students to apply up to six months before they graduate.

RN License Requirements
Acceptance into most nurse residency programs is contingent on graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX. Many provisionally accept students with the understanding the nurse presents their license on the first day.

Other Admission Requirements
Depending on the program, a new graduate may need to submit basic life support certification. Nurse residency programs with specific unit placement may also require certifications for the patient population, such as critical care or cardiovascular nursing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Residencies

Are nurses required to do a residency?

No, residency programs are not required in jobs for new grad nurses. However, they have become more popular as nurses and hospitals recognize its benefits of improving clinical skills, easing the transition from academic work to a clinical setting, and improving job satisfaction. Job satisfaction can improve the hospital’s retention rate.

How does nursing residency work?

More nursing jobs for new grads are incorporating a nurse residency program. These have classroom experiences followed by clinical simulations and check-offs. Then, new graduates transition to clinical work with a preceptor who monitors the graduate’s decisions and patient care. The new nurse gradually works with greater autonomy.
How do nurses prepare for residency?

Candidates can prepare for their jobs as new grad nurses by becoming familiar with the residency program at their hospital, getting the necessary tools for their assigned unit, and developing effective stress management strategies.
How long are you considered a new grad nurse?

Most programs consider you a new

grad nurse if you have less than 12 months of experience as a nurse. However, some programs do not admit nurses with more than six months of experience. You should understand your eligibility for a residency program before you apply.

Methodology and Limitations

The nurse residencies with the most opportunities for new grads were ranked using 2022 data from the AACN and the websites for each hospital that offers an accredited nurse residency program, accessed October 2022. Over 200 accredited nurse residency programs were scored.

Nurse residency programs with missing data points or without unique web pages about their specific locations and nurse residency programs were excluded from the ranking or counted as a location for their parent hospital.

The top nurse residency programs were decided based on a weighted average of six measures from highest to lowest weight:

1. Automatic entry
   2. Maximum experience allowed
   3. Degree required
   4. Number of cohorts
   5. Number of locations
   6. Number of units

Automatic-entry programs are defined as programs that automatically enroll eligible nurses in a nurse residency program upon starting employment. If an automatic-entry program did not specify the number of units, it was categorized as “all available units,” equal to 11-15 units based on the understanding that new nurses can apply for any open positions for which they meet the requirements.

Automatic-entry programs that did not specify the number of cohorts were assigned three cohorts for spring, fall, and summer because cohorts usually coincide with graduation dates.

The more experience nurses were allowed to have before they were no longer eligible for nurse residency, the higher the nurse residency ranked in the list of nurse residencies that allow up to one year of experience. Programs that hire ADN-prepared nurses were ranked higher than those who required or preferred nurses to have a BSN before applying because they allow more nurses more opportunities to complete nurse residency.

Locations were only counted if the AACN or the hospital specifically listed that location as offering an accredited nurse residency. The number of units were taken from the hospital website. Units were considered separate if their names were separated by commas or bullet points.

The nature of the data from hospital websites being self-reported and frequently changed based on organization need limits the accuracy of this data. New nurse graduates thinking about applying to nurse residency programs should check the hospital website and contact the hospital to confirm all information about the nurse residency.