Questions and Answers about Torrance Memorial’s RN Residency

Updated 5-11-2021

When does your next New Graduate RN Residency start?

Our next cohort starts August 23, 2021. We are currently accepting applications on our website.

Do I need to have my RN license and BSN to apply for a position?

While you don’t need to have a license to apply for a position or even have taken your NCLEX, you will need to have a California RN license approximately three weeks before the residency begins. [The cohort starts August 23, 2021.] California Interim Permits may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that a completed BSN or MSN is a requirement for hire into our new graduate RN residency, as is current BLS certification from the American Heart Association with an expiration date of at least 4-6 months from the cohort start date. ACLS is required for new grads in the ED, ICUs, and Telemetry units. PALS is required for placement in the ED and Burn ICU.

Do you accept MSN/MECN candidates who have already passed their NCLEX but haven’t graduated from school?

We are not accepting MSN/MECN candidates who have not yet graduated from their program, regardless of their nursing licensure status. If you have graduated with your MSN/MCEN, you would be eligible.

How do I apply for a New Graduate RN position?

The New Graduate RN position are on our web site. Go to the “Careers” link (top right corner of web page), then “Search Jobs,” and then in the “What” box, enter “Staff RN New Grad.” If you do not see your desired unit(s) posted, apply for an available New Grad opening so that your information can be in our system.

What is a typical week like for an RN resident?

On any given week, residents are scheduled to attend a block of "core" classes. Core classes are those lectures, e.g., blood administration, diabetes management, that apply to all residents regardless of their unit of hire. Residents will also be scheduled to attend unit-specific classes, e.g., care of the ventilated patient (ICU residents), or care of the knee surgery patient (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 can attend the daytime classes. We start with about two weeks of eight-hour day shifts and then transition to twelve-hour shifts from then on. The change from day shift to night shift can happen around week ten or later but this is determined by the unit leadership teams.) At various times in the residency, a typical week will also include a group support session. These "debriefing" meetings give residents a comfortable and confidential setting to discuss any issues with a skilled facilitator. Periodically, your schedule could include brief observational visits to related departments, e.g., Emergency Department, Cath Lab. This exposure gives you a broader perspective of what occurs in other departments and the collaboration between them.

Do you have any suggestions for a New Grad’s job search?

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! Remember to take care of yourself with healthy stress-relieving activities!

What else should I know about in advance?

Torrance Memorial is a great place to work with friendly, talented, and dedicated staff that support new grads! Our Lundquist Tower is beautiful and modern. We are Magnet designated and a locally-owned and governed medical center. We love our new grads and think of our 24 week residency as a valuable investment in our future. You will quickly feel our caring atmosphere and realize that at Torrance Memorial, you are acknowledged and appreciated!

Thank you for your interest in Torrance Memorial Medical Center.