RN Residency and Fellowship Program

The February RN Residency/Fellowship Program is scheduled to begin on February 8, 2021.
Applications will be accepted for internal applicants from October 26, 2020 through October 30, 2020.
Applications for external applicants will be accepted from November 13, 2020 through November 15, 2020.

Thank you for your interest in CHOC Children’s as a place to begin your professional nursing career. Our RN Residency Program is a 17 week program that is specifically customized to meet the requirements of the new nursing graduate to be successfully transitioned to becoming a professional pediatric nurse. Our Fellowship Program is a 10-week program for the transitioning nurse with at least one year of acute care experience, whether it be adults or peds, or reentering the nursing field.

Upon graduation the RN Resident and Fellow will have successfully accomplished the following:

  • Deliver safe, independent timely nursing care and practice according to the Nurse Practice Act, Patient and Family Centered Care and CHOC’s policies, procedures and standards of care.
  • Role model CHOC Children’s Mission, Values, Vision, Strategic Goals, Care Model and Nursing Philosophy.
  • Advocate for patient, patient’s family and self.
  • Integrate theoretical knowledge and past situations with clinical experiences to build upon knowledge base.
  • Participate in new opportunities at CHOC to grow both professionally and clinically.
  • Build a network of professional relationships.
  • Exemplify the leadership skills  gained through the RN Residency and Fellowship Program by pursuing leadership and professional opportunities at CHOC and the nursing profession as a whole.

The following components are in place to assist the RN Resident and Fellow in successfully completing the RN Residency:

Precepting

One-on-one, hands-on clinical preceptorship with CHOC nurses on the resident/fellow’s home unit.

Pediatric Curriculum

The programs provide a pediatric didactic curriculum that covers all aspects of pediatric nursing. The classes are taught by subject matter experts and provide information that is both current and relevant to the resident’s clinical experience. Presentations incorporate family-centered care, skills lab, critical thinking, case studies, evidenced-based practice, assessments, leadership, professionalism and nursing excellence. A variety of teaching methods stimulates the resident to take ownership of their learning and become active participants.  This environment creates the start of lifelong learning.

Mentor Program

The role of the mentor is non-evaluative and separate from that of the preceptor and reflection facilitator. He or she is a supportive person in times of stress and doubt but also provides guidance in the resident’s professional career. They offer expert assistance and support throughout the Program.

“Bear All” Groups

The purpose is to allow the resident/fellow an opportunity to express thoughts, feelings and emotions about their experiences during the program in a safe and non-judgmental environment. These experiences include working with a sick child, collaborating with families, taking care of a dying child, and resolving conflicts.

Looping

Looping provides the resident/fellow with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what a patient from their unit experiences from admission, discharge and follow-up. From observations, participation and completions of objectives, the resident gains a “global view” of CHOC. The resident/fellow sees how these areas relate to their scope of practice and are able to meet associates outside of their home unit.

Feedback/Evaluations

The resident/fellow is routinely provided with feedback on his/her progress within the program, which is used to assess his/her educational needs and to customize their experience. The Education department routinely collects feedback from the Residents, directors, managers, clinical nurse specialists, unit educators, preceptors and mentors regarding all aspects of the program to further develop and continue the program’s success.

Benefits

Additional benefits of this paid Residency include:

  • Promotional opportunities upon completion
  • 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

Learn more about benefits offered at CHOC.

Gain experience in a number of different specialty areas.

Choose from the following pediatric specialty areas:

Medical Unit

Surgical Unit

Neuroscience Unit

Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)

Emergency Department

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

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 & Fellowship

How many hours per week do the RN Residents/Fellows work?

This is a full time position that requires 68-80 hours per pay period (pay periods are 2 weeks) for the full 17 or 10 weeks, including weekends. The hours fluctuate to accommodate didactic and clinical time.

Will I be working weekends and holidays?

Yes, each resident/fellow follows the schedule of the preceptor. The schedule is provided to the resident/fellow by the unit they work on. The resident/fellow works with the preceptor's schedule with the exception of paid holidays. Upon completion of the program please expect to work every other weekend and major and minor holidays.

Do I get vacation time during my Residency & Fellowship?

Residents/Fellows are expected to attend their classes and follow their preceptor’s 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/fellows as best as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs.

Residents/Fellows are eligible to request extended vacations once the 17-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 & Fellowship Program?

Number of days varies per week but will be anywhere from 3-5 days per week during the residency. There will be some 4 or 8-hour class days and 12-hour days in 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 & fellowship cohort (class)?

The number of residents/fellows depends on the hospital's current needs.

Once I complete the Residency & Fellowship Program, what shift will I be working?

Residents/Fellows will continue working full-time and shifts will depend on the units they work in. This is usually decided upon toward the end of the Residency & Fellowship, based on the unit's needs.

What benefits does the Residency & Fellowship Program offer?

All benefits that are associated with a new hire apply to the RN Residency & Fellowship Program as well. Learn more about benefits offered at CHOC.

What is the RN Residency & Fellowship hourly pay rate?

The beginning hourly rate for the RN Resident is the same as a Clinical I RN. The hourly rate for an RN Fellow will be based on years of experience.

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 or peds, or reentering the nursing field, this is the program for you. This is a 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. Positions available in this program are listed as "Clinical Nurse II-Fellowship" in our Current Job Openings listing.BSN degree is required.

Application Information

BSN degree required, apply online at: http://www.choc.org/careers/

Residency and Fellowship Positions are listed among our Current Job Openings  and are posted usually 3 months before a cohort begins. Positions available in this program are listed as “Clinical Nurse I” for residents or “Clinical Nurse II-Fellowship” in our Current Job Openings listing. For our February cohort applications are typically accepted in November and for our August cohort applications are typically accepted in May. Review our website for the most up-to-date information when each program will begin. Applicants are limited to one department application per person and will receive an automated email from Human Resources confirming receipt of their application.

Applications are initially reviewed by Human Resources (for application completeness and 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, each department will make its 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.