Nurse residencies at Northside Hospital provide exciting opportunities to grow your nursing skills and advance your nursing career with Atlanta’s most preferred hospital. We offer residencies in such areas as acute care, cancer services, critical care, surgical services and women’s health. As you’re considering becoming part of one our residency programs, you may have questions. We’ve provided answers to many common questions for each step of the application and hiring process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Who is eligible to apply for nurse residency programs?
Nursing students are eligible to apply for our nurse residency programs as long as they will have graduated by the start date of the program they are applying for. Be sure to include your anticipated graduation date prominently on your resume when applying.
Recently graduated nurses, current nurses interested in changing specialties, and nurses that have recently completed a reentry program are also eligible.
For full details on eligibility and requirements, visit the Position Requirements section of the nurse residency program job description you are applying for.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You should have your nursing degree completed and passed licensing boards by the start date of the program that you are interested in. You should be in your final semester of nursing school and clinical rotations/senior practicum in order to apply.
When should I start applying?
We typically post job openings on our site four to six months before the program start date.
Is nurse residency a paid position?
Yes, nurse residency is a paid, full-time, non-exempt position, and nurses on the program are benefits-eligible.
Can experienced nurses who want to change specialties apply?
Yes, both internal and external experienced nurses are able and encouraged to apply.
Is nurse residency a full-time position?
Yes, nurse residency is a full-time job.
Do you hire new grads onto nurse residency programs?
Yes, our programs are designed for recently graduated nurses, as well as nurses interested in changing specialties and nurses that have recently completed a re-entry program.
APPLYING
Can you apply for several different units?
Yes, we encourage you to apply to the units that you have a genuine interest in. However, you may only interview with one unit/campus at a time. We make sure to give candidates the opportunity to explore their first unit/campus of choice.
When is the best time to apply?
The early bird gets the worm! Be prepared with your updated resume, cover letter and all of your application materials so that you are ready to apply as soon as the postings open, which is approximately four to six months before the residency program begins.
What materials will I need for my application?
In addition to an updated and accurate resume, we encourage you to submit a cover letter that outlines your interest in and passion for the specialty for which you are applying.
Can I apply for multiple programs?
Yes! However, we encourage you to apply only for the specialties for which you truly have a passion.
How can I make my resume stand out?
We love to see prior clinical experience in your area of interest, so get experience in any way you can. Make sure all of your contact information is clearly listed and current on your resume. For new grad nurses, be sure your graduation date is prominently shown. A senior practicum in the area you are applying for is a huge plus.
What will a competitive applicant have on their resume?
Here are some things we love to see: good customer experience/prior experience in customer service, prior experience in a hospital (not required, but good to have!), a passion for your specialty of choice, a current and accurate resume.
AFTER YOU’VE APPLIED
What should I expect at my interview?
Be sure to dress professionally, be on time, and be prepared to tell us about yourself and your experience while in nursing school. Also, be prepared to talk about the unit you are interviewing for and why you are passionate about the area.
How long after I’ve applied should I expect to get a response?
We receive a high volume of applications for our nurse residency programs and work hard to process the applications quickly and efficiently. If you are chosen to move forward, we aim to provide you with next steps within one to two months of your submission.
Who will I interview with?
In addition to interviewing with our nurse residency program recruiters, you will also likely interview with the department manager, nurse clinician and/or charge nurse for the department of your chosen specialty.
When are hiring decisions made?
Our hiring decisions are made on a rolling basis until a program is full.
AFTER YOU ARE HIRED
Am I able to start early?
In most cases, candidates hired on to the nurse residency program can start early, either as a Licensed Resident or as a Nurse Extern – Grad. This depends on a variety of factors, including the unit you will be joining, the program start date, your graduation date, and when you pass your boards and become a licensed nurse. Your recruiter will be able to give you more information once you have received your job offer.
How long is the residency?
This varies by unit. Most programs last between 14 and 24 weeks, though some are shorter.
What is the typical schedule?
This also varies by unit. The residency program is a full-time program. You will most likely work three 12-hours shifts. Time is shared between the unit and classroom.
Are the programs flexible with day or night shift?
The shift will be assigned according to the unit’s needs. You may have the opportunity to work both day and night shifts to gain experience in both. As you’ll see, they are very different experiences.
Do you work alongside another nurse during your residency?
Yes, you will work alongside a nurse preceptor dedicated to your program, as well as the other nurses on the unit and the providers (MDs, NPs, PAs) to aid in your successful learning.
Do nurse residents rotate through departments during residency?
During your residency, you will be working exclusively in the department for which you accepted an offer.
Does each department run its own residency coursework, or is it general to all new grads?
Each department’s program is tailored to the specialty for which you were hired.
What will I be doing and learning on a day-to-day basis?
While this will vary by program, each nurse residency program is designed to transition the nurse resident from the academic environment to the clinical environment and from nursing student to competent practicing nurse. You will likely shadow experienced nurses during patient interactions, participate in educational lessons, and eventually handle day-to-day patient and administrative duties under supervision.
How does Northside set up their new RNs for success?
Between your floor clinician, your preceptor, and your clinical educator, you will be helped every step of the way to make sure you have everything you need to be successful on your program.
Where can I find details about your benefits?
You can find them on our Benefits page.
With a nurse residency at Northside Hospital, you’ll be able to work alongside some of the most experienced, knowledgeable and skilled clinicians around as you develop the confidence and expertise needed to elevate your nursing practice. You’ll also gain exposure to the most advanced techniques and technologies in patient care. In addition, you’ll enjoy an excellent benefits package as you grow your career. We invite you to learn more about our nurse residency programs and apply to join us!
