For new or soon-to-be new nursing school graduates interested in a career with UI Health Care, the Nurse Residency Program can help you smoothly transition into your role.
How long is the Nurse Residency Program?
The Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month long program that helps new graduate nurses build a foundation for a fulfilling career. As a nurse in the program, you’ll get paid to learn—on the job and in the classroom.
What does the program look like?
Once you start the program, you will meet four hours once a month with other new graduate nurses throughout your first year, giving you the opportunity to compare notes, ask questions, and share experiences.
During these meetings you will discuss patient and family education, evidence-based practice, end-of-life care, personal well-being, and more.
You will be taught in a way that blends classroom experience with your new job duties. In other words, you’ll earn while you learn.
Is the Nurse Residency Program accredited?
The Nurse Residency Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recognized for its innovation in educating, supporting, and fostering new graduate nurses during their professional development.
Who is eligible for the Nurse Residency Program?
Nursing students who will graduate in the next four months or have graduated within the last year with the associate's degree in nursing or bachelor's degree in nursing and has no prior RN experience
How long after graduation can I start the program?
You can start as soon as you graduate and pass your NCLEX test. We expect students to take their NCLEX as soon as they get approved.
Is the Nurse Residency Program open to all new graduate nurses?
Yes! Any nursing student who will graduate in the next four months or has graduated within the last year with an associate’s degree in nursing or bachelor's degree in nursing and has no prior RN experience may apply.
I just graduated with an associate degree in nursing. Do I need to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing?
While we encourage you to continue your education, a bachelor’s degree is not required to apply to the Nurse Residency Program.
How and when do I apply for the Nurse Residency Program?
You can apply at any time, but we will begin the interviewing process at the beginning of your last semester once your preceptorship/senior internship is scheduled (if applicable).
Visit our How to apply for the Nurse Residency Program page for step-by-step instructions on how to submit your application.
Which units are available for nurse residents?
Almost all of our inpatient units and some clinics accept new graduates. This includes, but is not limited to, Intensive Care Units, the Emergency Department, Main Operating Room, and Pediatrics.
To see a full list of nursing units at University of Iowa Health Care, and to learn more about them, please visit Nursing Unit Descriptions | University of Iowa Health Care (uihc.org)
When can I start?
You can start in the first orientation class once you receive your RN license. We hold hospital-wide orientation about every two weeks.
What is the orientation period for a nurse resident?
Your first week as a nurse resident will include hospital-wide orientation (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). During this week you will learn about UI Health Care’s approach to patient care. The following weeks will be unit orientation, which can last six to 12 weeks, depending on the unit you are working on.
If I am hired into the Nurse Residency Program, will I be paid and eligible for benefits?
Absolutely. Nurse residents are paid and eligible for benefits. View our benefits page to learn more about the benefits offered to UI Health Care employees.
Benefits | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
Is there a time commitment after completing the program?
There is no time commitment after completing the program. Upon completion of the yearlong residency, you will be eligible to apply to transfer to another unit for which you meet the qualifications. Prior to completion of the year-long program on your assigned unit, you will not be eligible to transfer.
Do you offer shift and weekend differentials in the Nurse Residency Program?
Yes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Evening (15:00-23:30): Additional $5/hour
- Night (23:00-07:30): Additional $5.50/hour
- Weekend (Friday from 15:00 until Sunday at 23:00): Additional $4.50/hour