Frequently Asked Questions

Nurse Residency Program FAQs 

  • What is the Nurse Residency Program Structure?
  • The 12-month precepted program facilitates the transition from student to professional nurse. New grad nurse residents are hired into available new grad positions on a specific unit. Other program features include:
    - Hospital and Nurse Orientation
    - Assigned a Preceptor/Facilitator
    - Placed “in the count” per unity policy
    - Attend monthly 4-hour classroom activities
    - Develop an Evidence Based Practice Project at the end of the program
     
  • What are the benefits?
  • Salary: $ 58.33 per hour at 90% position (plus weekend, evening and night differentials)

    Salary Increase: $ 61.25 (after completing six-months of employment with satisfactory evaluation)

    Eligible for the Benefit Package: Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance, UC Retirement Pension Plan, Tax-Deferred Retirement Options, Tax Savings Programs, Continuing Education and Tuition Reimbursement and other plans and programs.
     
  • What are the requirements?
  • The program strongly prefers graduates from a BSN or MSN program accredited by National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NCNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing education (CCNE). You must have a California RN License by the program start date, and have held no previous paid nursing position.
     
  •  I have a BSN from another country. Am I eligible for this program?
  • You can determine if your program is accredited by checking the CCNE or NLNAC database
    NLNAC: http://www.acenursing.org/
    CCNE: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/accprog.asp
     
  • Can I submit my application without successfully passing the NCLEX?
  • It is not required to have your NCLEX during the application process.
     
  • Do I need to have taken the NCLEX before I start the New Graduate Residency Program?
  • Yes, all hires MUST have successfully passed NCLEX by the program start date. If the candidate does not pass the NCLEX by the start of the program, they will NOT be eligible to start. For more information, check the California Board of Registered Nursing website: http://rn.ca.gov/
     
  • I will be graduating with a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) next year and have already passed the NCLEX exam.
    Am I eligible for the Nurse Residency Program?
  • No, you would not be eligible for the Nurse Residency Program if you have NOT graduated from your MSN program, even if you have your RN license. If you have graduated with your MSN, you would be eligible to apply for the Program.
     
  • I obtained a BSN from an ADN to BSN program or LPN to BSN program.
    Am I eligible for the Nurse Residency Program?
  • A. Yes, only if you have NOT worked under your RN license. You are not eligible if you have worked under your RN license.
     
  • Will you accept IP (Interim Permit)?
  • No, we will not accept an IP for this Program.
  • I will graduate and currently reside outside of California area. Am I eligible for the program?
  • Yes, out-of-state candidates are eligible for the program if they meet the eligibility requirements. Out-of-state applicants are highly encouraged to apply for California licensure at the time of their NCLEX. You must have California RN License by the program start date. If you do not have your California RN license by the program start date, offer will be withdrawn due to lack of licensure to practice in California by the start date. For more information or questions, check the California Board of Registered Nursing website: http://rn.ca.gov/
     
  • When can I apply for the “New’ Nurse Residency position?
  • The position will be posted for ONE week only. Please check the website for the dates.
     
  • Once applications are submitted, what is the next process?
  • Once the final filing date for the position closes, all application materials are thoroughly reviewed for completeness and eligibility requirements for the screening process.
     
  • What happens after the screening process?
  • After pre-screening has been completed, the Interviewing Committee Panel will review all the routed application's materials for each applicant. The panel will select the candidates they are interested in and will contact the candidates to schedule an interview.
     
  • Once interviewing process is complete, what is the next step?
  • The top candidates will participate in pre-screen process with the SkillSurvey process (Online reference check).
     
  • How long can the process take?
  • The entire process from the time you submit your application to start of the program can take approximately 3 months.
     
  • When do I hear if I’ve been selected to participate in the program?
  • Contingent offers of employment are typically made about six weeks prior to the program state date. Individuals will be required to successfully complete the background check and pre-employment physical examination.
     
  • How do I know the status of my application?
  • You can find your application status by logging into our Applicant Tracking System (TAM.)
  • Which departments hire for new grads? 
  • Each cohort is different as this is based on the operational needs of the hospital.