Nurse Residency Program

Every nurse with less than 12 months of registered nursing experience who accepts a position at a participating facility is automatically enrolled in the program.

No. All registered nurses with less than 12 months of registered nursing experience, regardless of degree earned, are enrolled in the program when they’re hired by a participating facility.

Currently, the program is only offered to new registered nurses who accept a position at a participating facility.

Yes. Enterprise new graduate nurses who meet the program requirement of having less than 12 months of experience are enrolled in the Nurse Residency Program if they’re assigned to a participating facility.

The Sanford Health Nurse Residency Program does not require a separate application. All new graduate qualifying nurses hired at a participating facility are automatically enrolled in the program.

You will be hired into a specific work area or unit. Search job listings at sanfordcareers.com/nursing-nursing-support/ for current opportunities.

The department manager or director determines the position requirements in the job posting, which includes the shifts and schedule. You will be informed of these during the interview process.

Sanford Health is committed to supporting the successful transition of all new nurse graduates. The Nurse Residency Program helps student nurses excel in their first year of practice as professional nurses. Active participation in the Nurse Residency Program is required for all qualified new nurses.

Participation in the program is a condition of employment for new graduate registered nurses. Sanford Health considers the residents’ onboarding experience vital to a successful transition into practice. Therefore, no personal leave will be granted during the time that a resident is completing orientation and residency seminars unless previously negotiated and approved by their manager.

Sanford Health offers this program around three times a year. The program starts cohorts in January, May and September.

It is a 12-month program that begins with the next cohort start (January, May or September) following your employment start date and usually following the completion of your initial department orientation.

This program does not award ANCC contact hours.

Yes. If you transfer to another department in the same or another participating facility, you will continue to participate in the program. If you transfer within Sanford Health to a non-participating site, you will exit the program.

The expectation is that you will fulfill the agreement to work at Sanford Health through the duration of the Nurse Residency Program.

The Nurse Residency Program seminars are held monthly for 12 months.

Any absence from a scheduled residency activity is subject to the Sanford Health attendance policy. An absence will require makeup work. Accommodations will be made for all legally protected leaves. Successful completion of the program requires that the resident attend all monthly seminars.

Your schedule will be adjusted to accommodate your attendance for the monthly seminar, either as part of your worked hours or in addition to your worked hours. This is determined by your hiring manager or director.

The dress code for the monthly seminars is to wear your name badge above your waist with scrubs or professional office attire. Try to avoid jeans and non-Sanford Health T-shirts.

Contact your site clinical coordinator and your unit director or manager. If you have to miss a seminar, contact them before the scheduled seminar date to discuss your options.

Yes. As a Sanford Health employee, you are eligible for benefits and are compensated for attending monthly seminars. Your position determines your eligibility for the level of benefits.