Updated 06-19-2013
When is the next new grad RN residency?
The next cohort starts August 19, 2013. Plans for a 2014 cohort are unknown at this time.
How do I apply?
The openings for the RN residency program are listed on our web site as "New Grad RN." We expect that they will be posted for a short time.
What qualifications do I need?
Recent graduates of all accredited nursing schools are welcome to apply. While an RN license is not needed to submit an application, if a position is offered, however, a California RN license must be obtained at least two weeks prior to the cohort start date. You also need to have a current American Heart Association BLS card with an expiration date of February 2014 or beyond.
What nursing areas are available?
Please indicate your preferred unit(s) and shift on your application. If you are contacted for an interview, available units will be discussed at that time.
What is the schedule?
The residency is an 18 week, paid program that requires a full-time commitment and much scheduling flexibility on your part. It does not include time off for vacations.
What's a typical week like for an RN resident?
Approximately once a week for 18 weeks on varying days and times, residents attend a block of "core" classes. Core classes are those programs that apply to all residents, e.g., blood administration, evidence-based practice, cardiac assessment. During the same week as core classes, residents may also be scheduled to attend unit-specific classes on varying days and times, e.g., care of the ventilated patient (ICU residents), Emergency Department triage (ED residents), care of the shoulder surgery patient (Med/Surg Orthopedics residents). Our goal is to give you a structured classroom-based education that supports your clinical experiences with the majority of your time being spent on your unit. (Residents hired for the night shift are scheduled so that they may attend the daytime classes.) At various times in the residency, a typical week might also include a group support session. These "debriefing" sessions give residents a comfortable and confidential setting to discuss any issues of importance with a skilled facilitator. Periodically, your schedule will also include various four-hour observational visits to related units or departments, e.g., ED, Cath Lab, Care Management, Diabetes Education. This experience, known as "looping," gives you a broad perspective of what occurs in other departments. Another aspect of your schedule will include mentoring circles. Mentoring Circles offer you information on how to develop a plan for your future professional and educational goals.
What will the residency do for me?
Our residency is a great way to transition from the role of student nurse to professional nurse. During the 18 week, full-time paid residency you receive classes, precepted clinical time, observational rotations to related units, mentoring, and group support meetings - all of which support you in your new career. This residency will give you confidence, competence, safety, and friendships.
Do you offer a sign-on and/or relocation bonus?
We do not offer a sign-on nor relocation bonus for the RN Residency.
Do you accept faxed or US mailed applications?
Ours is an on-line only application process.
Suggestions for new grads
We encourage new grads to keep an open mind to various employment opportunities. Joining professional nursing organizations is a good way to network as is volunteering. Now might be a good time to pursue your BSN or MSN. We wish you the best of luck during these challenging employment times.
Where can I get more information?
Due to the high interest in our program, we apologize that we are not able to return most calls. More information about the Versant program is at www.versant.org.