Nurse Residency Program
Memorial Healthcare System: Enhancing the Spirit of Inquiry
Memorial’s Nurse Residency Program gives new nurses the tools they need for success. The program bridges the gap between the academic world and professional nursing practice. Residents focus on critical thinking skills and professional development and learn from each other as they complete the first year of their careers.
Be where you can learn and grow
Memorial Healthcare System in partnership with Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ provides a transition to professional nursing practice program for the purpose of providing an added layer of support to the newly licensed nurse's onboarding experience.
Nurse Residents come together monthly within their first year of employment to learn and network with peers and content experts in the organization as well as develop their critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills with the goal of transitioning from new nurse graduates to competent, safe professional nurses.
Mission Statement
To provide a structured, synergistic learning environment that supports the new nurse graduate's commitment towards professional growth and development
Vision Statement
Nurse Residents will have the drive to continuously develop the knowledge, attitude, and clinical skills essential for lifelong learning.
Why Choose Memorial’s Nurse Residency Program?
Memorial’s Nurse Residency Program is more than an orientation. Your year as a nurse resident provides countless opportunities to expand your knowledge and experience and smooth your transition from school to nursing practice.
As a nurse resident, you will:
- Foster critical thinking skills: Interactive didactic sessions and case scenarios prepare you for the complex and challenging decisions you must make as a nurse. Learning how to problem solve will make you a more prepared nurse.
- Enhance your clinical competence: Our simulation lab provides hands-on practice and training. Residents learn how to start IV blood transfusions, insert urinary catheters and nasogastric tubes and more. You also learn how to care for patients with diabetes and other essential nursing skills.
- Connect with peers: Residents experience the program as a cohort, sharing successes and challenges along the way. This group cohesion lets you interact with and learn from your fellow nurses and build professional relationships.
- Learn effective communication: Share your thoughts and experiences as you participate in group discussions with your cohort. Your active involvement helps you communicate better with patients, families and leadership.
- Learn from professional educators: Clinical nurse educators guide your transition to independent nursing in your assigned unit. Our team of coordinators supports you throughout your first year.
- Gain confidence: Regular feedback and skills training builds your confidence as a nurse. Through structured learning, you start to feel more comfortable in your role.
What We Offer:
- Evidence-based content and resources focused on bridging the gap between academia and professional nursing practice
- Clinical Nurse Educators focused on guiding new nurse graduates' transition from direct observation to independent nursing practice in their assigned units
- Blended learning experiences between clinical practice, classroom discussion and hands-on practice in our high-fidelity simulation center
- Opportunity to connect with peers and learn from one another's experiences in a safe environment
- Team and Coordinators committed to supporting Residents throughout their first year in nursing
- Easy access to NRP online applications and resources
- Career Counseling
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an active RN License
- Have graduated from an accredited nursing program in the previous 12 months.
- Minimum ASN required. BSN preferred.
- Have less than 6 months of RN working experience in an acute care setting or less than 12 months of RN working experience in a non-acute care setting.
You must also:
- Have an active basic life support certification.
- Sign a 2-year full-time employment agreement with Memorial Healthcare System prior to enrollment into the Nurse Residency Program.
- ASN Applicants must commit to obtaining their BSN or MSN within 5 years of enrollment into the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Curriculum
You can:
- Call us at 954-265-7676, Monday to Friday, 8 am–4 pm
- Email RNResidency@mhs.net
Once we notify you of your acceptance you:
- Complete an online learner profile two to three weeks before starting the program
- Review and electronically sign the Nurse Residency Program Training Agreement
- Receive your invitation to the next Nurse Residency Program orientation
Application Process
The Nurse Residency Program runs four cohorts per year.
The Nurse Residency Program timeline is currently under construction. Please check back regularly for updates.
To qualify for application, candidates must possess an active RN license. If you are interested in expressing interest in future cohorts, please submit your information.
Availability is contingent upon the staffing requirements of nursing units that accommodate new nurse graduates. Vacant positions will be advertised via career site.
Interviews and Candidate Selection
- You will get an email letting you know we received your application.
- You will get an email from the Talent Acquisition team letting you know if you either:
a. Qualify for next steps in the process
b. Don’t qualify for next steps - If you qualify, you will get a call from the Talent Acquisition team to confirm or schedule next steps.
All application status updates are available in your candidate space online profile.
Candidates attend our in-person job fair Selection Day event to learn and explore different opportunities. You will meet hiring managers and nursing staff from participating units and choose where you would like to interview. We conduct interviews the same day.
We will notify you about your results at the event or 24 hours after your interview.
Compensation and Work Commitments
Yes, you will get paid and be eligible for benefits. You will earn the regular RN I rate for all hours you work during your residency. At the end of your first year, you will receive your annual evaluation. You will then be eligible for a pay increase according to our performance evaluation guidelines.
Learn more about benefits at Memorial Healthcare System.
All new nurse graduates must sign a two-year full-time commitment prior to enrollment into the Nurse Residency Program. Depending on which nursing unit you are hired into, you will be required to sign either one of the following agreements:
Standard Nurse Residency Program Training Agreement
- Applies to new nurse graduates hired into patient care areas (i.e., Med/Surg/Tele, acute inpatient rehabilitation, etc.) This agreement is applicable to the facility and unit where the Nurse Resident will be hired.
- Upon graduation from the program, you would be eligible to apply for a lateral transfer or the RN Fellowship Program after 1 year of independent practice experience.
Nurse Residency Program Specialty Area Training Agreement
- Applies to new nurse graduates hired into most specialty units (i.e., all Pediatric Specialty Units, Adult ICU/IMCU, Emergency Department, Family Birthplace, Oncology, Surgical Services, etc.) This agreement is applicable to the facility and unit where the Nurse Resident will be hired.
- You must remain in your assigned specialty unit for the entire duration of the two-year full-time commitment.
Both agreements run concurrently, and financial penalties are pro-rated.
No. All new nurse graduates (RN I) must remain in their assigned unit on a full-time basis while enrolled in the one-year program. Upon meeting requirements for graduation from the program, you would then transition to the job title of RN II. Eligibility for transfer post-residency depends on which training agreement you signed:
Standard Nurse Residency Program Training Agreement
- You would be eligible to apply for a lateral transfer or the RN Fellowship Program after one year of independent practice experience.
Nurse Residency Program Specialty Area Training Agreement
- You must remain in your assigned specialty unit for the entire duration of the two-year full-time commitment. Eligibility for lateral transfer or the RN Fellowship Program will apply once this agreement expires.
Please note, if the Resident chooses to apply for a transfer prior to completing either of the above agreements, additional administrative approvals will be required to allow transfer to occur as the Resident may have financial penalties associated with their signed agreement.
Work Schedule
Your schedule during the program:
- When you start, you will complete several orientation and classroom requirements.
- You will work the same hours as your preceptor once you begin unit orientation.
- After you complete your unit orientation, you will take on regular shifts determined by your department leader.
- Your schedule will consider time you spend on residency program activities
Your work schedule and shifts depend on individual department needs. Most new nurse graduates get night shift assignments. Each unit has weekend and holiday requirements. New nurse graduates hired into specialties such as surgical services and procedural areas often get placed on an on-call schedule.
Please discuss scheduling concerns with the hiring nurse leader during the interview process.