Nurse Residency Program

Nurse Residency Program

Nurse Residency Program

The Nurse Residency Program at Broward Health provides the novice nurse with the knowledge base, skill set and structured support needed to transition from being a student to a competent and confident registered nurse in clinical nursing practice. The residency program supplements the traditional hospital and unit orientations. One of the primary goals of the program is to improve the new graduate nurse’s ability to critically think and develop the ability to manage outcomes data to promote patient safety and deliver quality care at the bedside.

Broward Health’s Nurse Residency Program is designed in conjunction with the HealthStream Nurse Residency Pathway. The focus of the program content is on development of residents’ leadership skills, clinical competence, application of outcomes data to patient care improvements and professional development. The yearlong, evidence-based program bridges the gap between nursing education and “real-life” professional nursing practice. The program curriculum consists of the following:

• Nurse resident orientation / Launch Day
• Simulation experiences at the Virtual Hospital
• Clinical lectures
• Debrief discussions
• Leadership development
• Professional growth seminars
• Career coaching

Nurse residents are paired with a mentor throughout the Nurse Residency Program. The program's effectiveness is regularly measured through participant feedback obtained from the HealthStream Nurse Residency Pathway Surveys.

Eligibility

  • Obtain a ADN or BSN degree from an accredited school of nursing
  • Current and clear Florida licensure as a Registered Nurse
  • Less than 1-year experience as a Registered Nurse in an acute care facility (i.e. in the hospital)
  • Maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Card required
  • Satisfy all application requirements as stated by Broward Health
  • Commit to two-year, full time employment with Broward Health
  • Previous clinical experience preferred for those seeking Critical Care and Specialty Care positions. This may include previous experience such as externships, senior practicums, or have taken specific courses as part of your nursing curriculum for these specialty areas strongly preferred.

Nurse Residency Commitment / Program Guidelines

  • Attend and actively participate in all activities in the program including e-learning modules, core education classes, debrief seminar groups, journals and career planning sessions. All program activities take place during paid hours and are in addition to the clinical orientation objectives.
  • Complete all assignments in the program which may include projects, online courses, classes, journals and develop career goals.
  • Complete all program evaluation, caring assessments and confidence assessments.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude, professional work ethic and remain engaged in delivering an excellent patient care experience.
  • There is a financial commitment by Broward Health to the residency program for each resident. Broward Health asks that each resident also commit to Broward Health for a period of two clinical years, which is supported by a $5,000 obligation to Broward Health by the resident if the agreement is not fulfilled.

Nurse Residency Launch Dates (Cohort Start Dates)

The Nurse Residency Cohort application remains open year-round and positions are available based on the needs of the nursing units. Cohorts launch/begin monthly as listed below:

2021 Nurse Residency Launch/ Start Dates

January 24, 2022
February 21, 2022
April 4, 2022
May 2, 2022
June 1, 2022
July 6, 2022
July 25, 2022
September 7, 2022
October 3, 2022
October 31, 2022
December 5, 2022
December 19, 2022

Application Process

  1. Apply to the position of Registered Nurse, on the Broward Health careers webpage.

  2. Submit the following documents to complete the application process. This must be done during the application period.  All of the items listed below should be compiled into a single document and uploaded at the time of the application submission.
    1. Professional Resume should include:
      • GPA - overall GPA accompanied by unofficial transcripts
      • Employment History - organization, dates, job title, responsibilities
      • Volunteer Service - name of organization, role, and responsibilities
      • Leadership - roles in work, school or service organization; honors & awards
      • Academic clinical experiences: institution name, unit, dates and brief descriptions of care provided and competencies performed 

      Optional Documents - Submit upon request

    2. Two professional letters of recommendation, one of which can be from a clinical faculty member
    3. An essay addressing the topics below:
      • Why do you want to begin your nursing career at Broward Health?
      • Why did you choose the profession of nursing?
      • What are your areas of interest within Broward Health and why?

  3. Selected candidates may participate in a series of interviews with the Nurse Managers and peer evaluators. These interviews will be scheduled by the Nurse Manager.

  4. Candidates offered employment at Broward Health will be contacted prior to the start date indicated and further information will be given as to their start of employment. Those not receiving offers of employment will also be notified. All accepted candidates must have a verifiable license with the Florida Board of Nursing prior to date of employment.
Broward Health Careers Webpage

FAQs

Do I need to pass the NCLEX prior to applying?

You may interview and be offered a position contingent upon passing the NCLEX, however, you must have an active license prior to your first day of employment. Students looking to start after licensure will be able to apply to the next Nurse Residency Program cohort offered.

Is a BSN degree required?

ASN and BSN graduates are all eligible for the program. It is expected that ASN graduates will be committed to completion of the BSN degree within five years.

What will my schedule be during the Residency?

The first week of employment will be full time, 8-4:30pm weekdays. When you begin the unit orientation you will work the same hours as your Clinical Coach. Once orientation to the unit is completed, you will move to the regularly scheduled pattern of shifts for your position. Time dedicated to the Residency Program activities will be accommodated in your schedule.

What will I be paid while in the Residency Program?

All hours worked during the residency are paid at your regular the hired RN rate.

Is it possible to take time off during the residency?

Yes, paid leave and requests for time off will follow Broward Health policies.

Contact Us

Sylvia Sloane Jones, DNP, MSN, APRN, RNC

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Email: sljones@browardhealth.org

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Phone: 954-888-3519

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Address: 

Department of Learning

   

1608 SE Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316