CHOC Children's - RN Residency Program

Careers at CHOC :: RN Residency Program

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General Information | Benefits | Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions

rnresidencylogo There are unique challenges that nursing graduates or nurses looking for a transition to pediatrics are facing in our world today. It is why CHOC Children’s RN Residency in Pediatrics Program is committed to insuring the education, specialized training, and support to assist you into transitioning into a successful, competent, confident pediatric nurse.

CHOC Children’s is a 268-bed Magnet hospital, Gold Level CAPE Award winner from the California Council for Excellence and named one of the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report (2012-2013). We are a tertiary-level, state-of-the-art regional children's hospital. With our strong reputation in further advancing the health and well-being of children, CHOC and the RN Residency Program provides an environment of personal growth and professional development that suits the new nursing graduate or transition nurse.

Our RN Residency Program is a 20 week program with start dates in February and August that is specifically customized to meet the requirements of the new nursing graduate to be successfully transitioned to becoming a professional pediatric nurse. The Program utilizes the Versant program as a foundation as well as the following outcomes:

Delivering safe, independent timely nursing care and practice according to the Nurse Practice Act, Family Centered Care, and CHOC’s policies, procedures, and standards of care.
Role modeling CHOC Children’s Mission, Values, Vision, Strategic Goals, Care Model, and Nursing Philosophy.
Advocates for patient, patient’s family, and self.
Integrates theoretical knowledge and past situations with clinical experiences to build upon their knowledge base.
Participates in new opportunities at CHOC to grow both professionally and clinically.
Builds a network of professional relationships
Exemplifies the leadership skills they gained through the RN Residency Program by pursuing leadership and professional opportunities at CHOC and the nursing profession as a whole.

The RN Resident accomplishes these outcomes through the following components:

Precepting: One on one precepting with a trained preceptor to give you the personalized learning that you need to succeed.
Didactic Curriculum : Evidence Based information, hands-on training, presentations from content experts, and leadership building opportunities all assist in growing your knowledge base and making you a leader at the bedside.
Mentoring: A person devoted to your professional growth and development but also provide a non-judgmental environment for you to
“Bear All” Groups: This is a completely confidential time period when you reflect and discuss your practice, your challenges, your successes, and learn about self-care and coping mechanisms.
Looping This is an opportunity for you to experience different areas of the organization that a patient from your home unit would transfer to as well as meet other Associates.
Feedback/Evaluations: Not only do you receive feedback on the job in real time, but 3-4 progress meeting sessions occur during the 20 weeks. These meetings are a time to reflect on your achievements and your goals to insure you are on track to becoming a successful independent competent pediatric nurse and the organization is meeting your needs.

CHOC Registered Dietitian (RD) Pediatric Residency Program Brochure

Additional benefits of this paid Residency include:

Promotional opportunities upon completion of the Residency
Generous shift differentials
Retirement plan, including tax-deferred savings
Tuition Reimbursement
Comprehensive, flexible employee benefits package
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Paid time off upon completion of the Residency

Choose from the following pediatric specialty areas:

Medical Unit
Surgical Post-Op Unit
Neuroscience Unit
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Hematology/Oncology Unit
CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital

Frequently asked questions about the RN Residency:

How many hours per week do the RN Residents work?
This is a full time position that requires 68-80 hours per pay period (pay periods are 2 weeks) for the full 20 weeks, including weekends. The hours fluctuate to accommodate didactic and clinical time.

Will I be working weekends and holidays?

Yes, each Resident follows the schedule of the preceptor. The schedule is provided to the Resident by the unit they work on. The Resident works with the preceptors schedule with the exception of paid holidays.

Do I get vacation time during my Residency?

Residents are expected to attend their classes and follow their preceptors’ schedule. Therefore, any long weekend vacations must be scheduled around class days, as well as the schedules provided by their departments. Flexibility is very important. The leadership and management team will assist the Residents as best as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs.

The RN Residents are eligible to request extended vacations once the 20-week orientation period has concluded and they have accrued an adequate amount of PTO to cover their time off.

What time and scheduling commitments are involved with the Residency Program?

Number of days per week: varies from week to week depending on number of unit classes and Residency classes, but generally for the first 4 months plan on 4 days per week between classes and time on the unit. For the last 2 months - 3 days per week, mostly on the unit.

Flexibility is very important. The units and RN Residency staff will assist you as much as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs. Each unit provides a unique educational experience that involves day and night shifts.

How many nurses are in each residency cohort (class)?

The number of residents depends on the current hospital needs.

Once I complete the Residency program, what shift will I be working?

Residents will continue working full-time and shifts will depend on the units they work in. This is usually decided upon towards the end of the Residency, based on the units needs.

What benefits does the Residency program offer?

All benefits that are associated with a new hire apply to the RN Residency Program as well.

What is the RN Residency hourly pay rate?

The beginning hourly rate for the RN Resident is the same as a Clinical I RN. Your Unit Director has the exact figures and will spend time with you discussing your individual pay.

What is the Fellowship program?
This program is designed for the transitioning nurse with at least one year of acute care experience. Whether it be Adults to peds, or reentering the nursing field, this is the program for you. This is an 8-10 week precepted program. It usually runs concurrently with the RN Residency and the applications are posted at the same time as the RN Residency applications.

This program is posted on the CHOC Career website as "'Clinical Nurse II-Fellowship'

BSN Degrees are preferred.

Application Information

Applications for the August Cohorts are posted in early April, and applications for the February cohort are posted in early September.

Applicants are limited to 1 unit application per person, so please choose carefully. Applicants will receive an automated email from Human Resources confirming receipt of their application.

Applications are initially reviewed by Human Resources (for application completeness & content and to verify qualifications). The most qualified candidates are then forwarded to the specific Department the candidate selected for additional review and consideration. From this pool of candidates, the Department will make their selections and will then contact candidates directly to schedule interviews.

Once interviews are complete the hiring department will select the candidates they wish to hire and make an informal offer. Once positions are filled, applicants not selected will receive an email from Human Resources.

Who can answer any further questions I have regarding the RN Residency and or the Fellowship?

To learn more about CHOC Children’s RN Residency Program and up to date information regarding application status, please call 714-509-4676.