MeritCare New Graduate RN Residency Program
What is the MeritCare Nurse Residency Program?
The first months of your professional nursing career can be intimidating and frightening. The Nurse Residency program supports and enhances the new graduate Registered Nurse's development during the first year of practice. Through 6 monthly sessions, the program is designed to promote an effective transition into professional practice as you begin your path to achieving greatness.
Who is in the Nurse Residency Program?
All new graduate RNs who will be working in an inpatient setting will be included in this program. New graduate RNs will be grouped together according to your date of hire to journey through the program. Some variations in the program exist for certain specialty clinical areas.
When does this program start?
To be eligible for MeritCare's Nurse Residency Program, RNs must have graduated from an accredited school of nursing within the last six months. Nurse Residency Programs start in February, July and October of each year.
To be what we are,
and to become what we are capable of becoming,
is the only end of life.
–Robert Louis Stevenson
What do we do in these monthly sessions?
In the monthly sessions, you will engage in a highly interactive and enriching learning process. Each session focuses on various clinical and professional growth topics utilizing health care experts to guide and advance your clinical judgment and ability to problem solve as well as expand your outlook on your professional career.
Past Nurse Residents have shared that the Nurse Residency Program also offers a great opportunity to meet other new graduate nurses and share experiences and concerns.
Here are a few of their comments:
"It's nice to know I'm not the only one feeling this way."
"It's good to recognize faces and know names when I'm off my unit."
"I really enjoy hearing from the other Nurse Residents and learning how they do things."
Program Outcomes
The Nurse Residency Program builds upon your undergraduate education and clinical competencies to strengthen these aspects of nursing:
Leadership at the Point of Care
Patient Outcomes
Your Professional Role
Support for the Program
A Nurse Residency Coordinator will be in contact with Nurse Residents throughout the program.
During your unit-specific orientation, a preceptor will also be assigned to each new graduate RN.
A Service Educator (an RN working on your unit) is also available for guidance on unit specific needs.
How do I apply for a position at MeritCare?
To apply for a Registered Nurse position at MeritCare, complete an application online by visiting nurse.meritcare.com or contact Aaron Franke, employment Specialist, at (701) 280-4872.
What if I have additional questions about the Nurse Residency Program?
To receive more information regarding the MeritCare Nurse Residency Program, contact either of the two Nurse Residency coordinators: