RN Residency FAQs

Yes, but applicants must complete a nursing program by the start date.

Yes. Individuals hired into residency positions typically have graduated less than 12 months from graduation, though length of time from graduation can vary. Individuals who have more than 12 months post-graduate work experience may choose to consider applying for a RN Fellowship in a specialty area in which they do not yet have experience.

No, however, first consideration will be given to BSN, MSN and BSN-in-progress prepared applicants.

Applicants may apply, be interviewed and be offered a position before they obtain an RN license. An active RN license will be required prior to the start date, and will be verified with the state.

RN residency assignments are approximately one year in length.

Generally, all hospitals in our family of organizations offer residency programs.

Yes. Opportunities for new grad nurses are sometimes available in clinics, home health, hospice, long term care, and skilled nursing facilities. The requirements listed on each job posting should help candidates to determine if new grad applications are being accepted.

Yes. RN residency training includes precepted time on the unit, online learning, classroom-based learning, and clinical simulation. Unit-based training length varies between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on specialty. Learn more about our Clinical Academy .

No.

Yes, residents are hired as an employee and will be paid bi-weekly.

The length of time an RN resident is asked to commit to the organization is dependent on the location and will be discussed as part of the interview process.

Nurse resident schedules may include nights, evenings; and will include weekends and holidays. Schedules are typically made 30 days in advance and have rotating schedules.

RN residency positions are typically full-time opportunities that require 36-40 hours per week. Schedules will vary to accommodate education time and simulation experiences. Scheduled shift length varies and could include 8, 10, or 12 hours in length. Per diem/on call positions are offered at a few hospitals and would be discussed with candidates early in the interview process.

Residents receive the same vacation, paid holidays and sick leave allowances as other contractual nurses. As each residency is an intensive program, time off or scheduling requests are typically not granted during the initial 6 months of training.

The specialties offered depend on location and time of year. The following areas could be available, but are not limited to: behavioral health, critical care, emergency department, medical-surgical, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), obstetrics, pediatrics, perioperative services, and telemetry.

Each applicant is given the opportunity to indicate and explain their top choice areas. When a job offer for a specialty area is made, it may be accepted or declined. Great efforts are made to accommodate preferences.

Transfer eligibility for individuals in “good standing” will be dependent on location and union contract transfer eligibility. In many areas, employees may transfer to another department after one year of training in a specialty.

Applications are accepted when jobs are posted. Please refer to the Cohort Hiring Schedule table included on the RN Residency page for specific cohort application and start dates.

The number that is hired each month or into cohorts varies by location.

This varies between location and specialty. In most specialties and locations, cohorts start three times a year (typically in winter, spring and summer). In some locations and specialties, we also offer rolling start dates year-round. Start dates are typically indicated on the posting.

Yes. However, an active RN license in the state of hire will be required prior to the start date. Many out-of-state candidates are unable to start in their residency program due to not having their state license active prior to their start date, which can be attributed to unexpected licensing timelines. If a candidate is already licensed out-of-state, we highly recommend researching the reciprocity timeline and requirements for the state in which they are applying. If a candidate has not taken their NCLEX, we highly recommend they reach out to their local state board of nursing for testing options that best support their professional license transition to another state.

To apply, please submit the online application to the posted job and include a resume and letter of intent indicating why you are interested in Providence St. Joseph Health, the values you will bring to the organization, and how our program will help further your professional career goals. Additional components may be required and will be indicated in the job posting.

Yes. Applicants may be asked to submit five clinical references at any time after applying. If references are requested at time of application, it will be indicated on the job posting.

Available resident positions will be posted prior to the projected start date. In many cases, only one job is posted per city for multiple specialties and locations. After a candidate submits a complete application and meets job requirements, they may be asked to complete a video interview. Next possible steps include a web-based reference check, phone conversation with staff, and face-to-face interviews with hiring teams.

Yes, please submit an application and we do our best to apply technology to conduct interviews for candidates who are unable to interview in person. For some positions, an in-person interview will be the final step before an offer is made.

Email invitations to complete a video interview include a link to a web‑based interview with predetermined questions. RN resident applicants have 7 days to complete the interview. If clicking the link directs the candidate to log in, the link is still active, and the interview will launch after login. If an error indicates the interview is no longer available, candidates should contact their recruiter.