Q: What is the Graduate Nurse Residency Program?
A: Our Graduate Nurse Residency Program will provide Graduate Nurses the opportunity to:
- Partner with a Registered Nurse Preceptor in a work/study environment to increase your competency providing care to the acutely ill adult medical-surgical patient.
- Our nine-week orientation includes a combination of didactic, simulation and clinical opportunities
- Attend a number of monthly presentations with other new graduates that include
- Education on a variety of topics that will assist the new graduate to make the transition from student to professional nurse
- Support group time with peers
- "Nursing Scholar program: Best Evidence in Practice"
- Opportunity for a limited number of new graduate nurses to work with an assigned mentor and an experienced staff RN on a specific Evidence Based Project
- These positions will be filled by an application process per division
The objectives of the Graduate Nurse Program are to:
- Provide a structured first-work experience that promotes professional growth and development
- Create a positive, safe learning environment that promotes trust and respect
- Promote strong collegial relationships through integration of the new graduate nurse into unit and hospital initiatives
- Foster the visible contribution of the professional nurse
- Promote the concept of life-long learning
Education Requirements:
- New graduate nurses hired to start in July and September are enrolled in the Graduate Nurse Residency Program.
- The new graduate nurse must successfully pass NCLEX prior to the start of orientation.
- The new graduate nurse must have graduated from an accredited school of nursing (BSN required).
Q: Do I need to pass the NCLEX prior to applying?
A: New Graduate Nurses are hired into this program in July and September. You may interview and be offered a position prior to passing the NCLEX, however you must have an active license prior to your first day of employment. Students looking to start after the summer months will be able to begin employment at other designated times throughout the year.
Q: What areas is Hartford Hospital hiring GNs into?
A: We are mainly hiring into Medical/Surgical nursing floors as well as Behavioral Health/Institute of Living. We do not normally hire into critical care or specialty departments or Per Diem positions. Please apply to individual Registered Nurse positions that specify "Graduate Nurses are welcome to apply."
Q: When do I apply?
A: The GN Residency only exists for July and September hires however GNs can orient throughout the rest of the year. Applications are encouraged to apply to Registered Nurse positions as early as one semester prior to graduation.
Q: How do I apply to the Graduate Nurse Residency Program?
A: Please apply to individual Registered Nurse positions that specify "Graduate Nurses are welcome to apply."
Q: What do I need to submit with my application?
A: We only require an electronic application with an updated resume. However additional documents such as a cover letter, letters of reference or transcripts may be uploaded to accompany your application.
Q: Do you have openings for Student Nurses?
A: Hartford Hospital periodically has paid, per diem, Patient Care Associate positions available for Student Nurses through our STAR Team (Nursing Float Pool). These positions have a mandatory full time orientation for the first 3 weeks from 7:00am – 3:30pm. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two clinical rotations and previous patient care experience is preferred. Please check this page to see if a Patient Care Associate position is available to apply to. If this position is not posted, we are not accepting applications at this time.Please note that employment as a Student Nurse does not guarantee employment as a Registered Nurse upon graduation.
Q: Once I apply, when will I know whether I am chosen for an interview?
A: Interviews take place on an ongoing basis year round. As positions become available Nursing Recruiters and Managers will look through the applicant pool and contact candidates of interest. Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot update applicants on the status of each position they apply. You will only hear back if you have been selected for an interview.
Q: Am I guaranteed an interview if I apply?
A: Due to the high volume of applications received, we cannot interview every applicant face to face. Please do not be discouraged. If you are not selected for one position, you may still apply for future openings.
Q: Is this a paid Nurse Residency?
A: Yes, if selected, you will be hired to a specific opening on a nursing unit. Upon hire you will complete the paid Nurse Residency training and orientation program at Hartford Hospital.
Q: When will selections be made?
Applicants will be hired throughout the year as individual positions become available. We do not have a set quantity of hires per calendar year or a deadline to apply.
Q: Are Graduate Nurses hired to individual units?
A: Yes, Graduate Nurses are hired to an individual unit however they orient as a group with other Graduate Nurses across the institution.
Q: Do I need written references from my professors?
A: No, we do not require written references from your professors. If you believe this will help set you apart from other applicants, you may upload additional documentation to your application online. During the interview process you may be asked for the contact information of 3-5 professional references.
Q: May I send all my information by US Postal Service?
A: No, due to the high volume of applications received, we ask all candidates to complete the process online. We cannot accept hard copy documents as we only accept electronic applications.
Q: How fast upon hire will Graduate Nurses be given a full patient load?
A: This varies depending upon unit, patient population, and if you completed a Senior/Capstone experience on the unit. Using competencies & weekly goals it is individualized but generally by week 8-9 weeks the GN is carrying a full patient load.
Q: What are some of the new technologies GNs will use?
A: Depending upon the unit, electronic documentation, feeding pumps, IV pumps (coming), pain pumps, pt care protocols and Hartford Hospital’s State of the Art Simulation Lab.
Q: Will GNs receive any certifications during the program?
A: Not at this time.