Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the Nurse Residency program at Holy Cross Health.
The residency program at Holy Cross Health provides each new nurse with the tools and skills required to become a competent and confident nurse. The program curriculum provides the nurse resident with up-to-date best practices and necessary knowledge for growing within the organization and ample opportunities for career development discussions. Each cohort of new nurses share in relevant experiences, collaborate with interprofessional teams, and effect change within their very first year!
We hire 3 Cohorts annually (Spring, Summer and Fall) with 2 start dates per cohort. Please see the main web page for the next available cohort dates!
The Nurse Residency Program is one year in length. This includes your orientation time and career growth and development discussions.
To be eligible for the Nurse Residency Program, you must have:
- graduated from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing school
- graduated within the last 12 months
- less than 6 months of acute care experience as an RN.
- Passed the NCLEX and be a licensed RN in the state of Florida
Nursing units that accept Nurse Residents are Medical Surgical Telemetry unit, Intermediate Care Unit, Medical- Surgical Orthopedics Unit, Cardiovascular Intermediate Care Unit, Stepdown Telemetry Unit and Intensive Rehab Unit. Critical Care units and the Emergency Department hire on an as needed basis.
After you have applied, a Talent Acquisitions Representative will reach out to you to further discuss your areas of interest. All units are subject to availability. You are also able to interview in multiple units, if desired.
Yes! Once you receive a letter from the Florida Board of Nursing stating that you are eligible to work as a Graduate Nurse, you may do so. This is an option for some who want to start learning quickly, however, this a personal preference and not required.
Once hired, you will be assigned a preceptor on your unit that has completed our STAR Preceptor Training Program. This consists of advanced knowledge of the best way to train new nurses to set you up for success. The STAR Preceptor Program incorporates AACN based learning techniques. In addition, you will have the support of your nursing leadership team, your Professional Practice team, and your Nurse Residency team!
The initial onboarding process for a new employee consists of hospital orientation, nursing orientation and other classes that may be specific to your specialty area. You will also attend simulation training and be scheduled for additional learning opportunities in the first few weeks of hire. Please be flexible with your schedule during this time. Once you are assigned a preceptor, you will follow your preceptor’s schedule for the remainder of your orientation period. This schedule will be like yours once off orientation. Nurse Residents work 12 hour shifts from 7a-7p OR 7p-7a (Emergency Department excluded), 3 days a week. There will be a weekend and holiday work requirement. You will also be required to attend monthly Nurse Residency seminars which are 4 hours in length for the first year of employment.
You will have to sign a Program Agreement when accepted into the Nurse Residency Program. The agreement states that you will stay employed by Holy Cross Health for a minimum of 2 years from your hire date in a full time or modified full time capacity. It also states that you are not eligible to transfer to another unit until you complete the first year of hire.
Yes! You will be paid a base rate and be eligible for differential pay, as well. There is also no waiting period for benefits, and you are eligible effective day one of employment. Please visit the Benefits page for more information on our benefits package.
The program consists of 12 monthly seminars that are about four hours each. The program also includes simulations in the SIM lab, skills days, shadow time in different departments and expert speakers on topics relevant to your education!
A BSN degree is preferred. An ASN degree is acceptable.
Yes. All newly graduated nurses must complete the Nurse Residency Program.
Please click here to apply. You may also navigate to the Careers page on the Holy Cross Health website to apply.
A Talent Acquisition Representative will review your application and contact you in a timely manner if you meet the program requirements.