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RN Residency Program

Below are our typical timelines of our residency cohorts. These are subject to change based on organizational needs:
Our typical cohorts run in February and August of each year.

  • February cohort applications are posted in the 2nd week of November.
  • August cohort applications are posted in the 2nd week of May.

We have hired residents and fellows into the following departments historically, and slots are opened in each cohort based on unit and staffing needs:

  • Medical Unit
  • Surgical Unit
  • Neuroscience Unit
  • Multispecialty Unit
  • Hematology/Oncology Unit
  • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
  • Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Emergency Department
  • Main OR and Procedure Center
  • Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
  • CHOC at Mission Hospital

Currently, there is NOT a February 2025 cohort planned at this time. We plan to resume the program in August 2025. You can learn more about the RN Residency Program by reading below.

Thank you for your interest in CHOC as a place to begin your professional nursing career. Our RN Residency Program is a 16 month program that is specifically customized to meet the requirements of the new nursing graduate to be successfully transitioned to becoming a professional pediatric nurse.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered Nurse with less than 6 months acute care nursing experience.
  • Education
    • Required: Graduation from an accredited school of Registered Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required within two years of completion of the RN Residency program.
  • Licensure
    • Registered Nurse – CA (RN) License
    • Basic Life Support (BLS)
    • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
    • ACLS for PICU, CVICU, ED, Main OR, Recovery Room and Procedure Center

Upon graduation the RN Resident 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’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 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 in successfully completing the RN Residency:

Precepting

One-on-one, hands-on clinical preceptorship with CHOC nurses on the resident’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 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 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 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 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

MSU OR

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Hematology/Oncology Unit

CHOC at Mission Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions about the RN Residency

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 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?

Residents 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 as best as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs.

Residents 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 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 cohort (class)?

The number of residents depends on the hospital's current 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 toward the end of the Residency, based on the unit's 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. Learn more about benefits offered at CHOC.

What is the RN Residency hourly pay rate?

The beginning hourly rate for the RN Resident is the same as a Clinical I RN.

How to Apply:

BSN degree required, apply online at: https://choc.org/wp/careers/

Residency Positions are listed among our Current Job Openings  and are posted usually 3 months before a cohort begins. 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.

  • Go to https://choc.org/wp/careers/ and search “RN Residency Program”
  • At the time of your online application submission you will be required to upload the following documents:
    • Resume
    • Cover letter
    • Letter(s) of Recommendation (optional)

**Note: You can only drag and drop a max of two (2) separate files or you may combine your documents into one (1) file and upload it.

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.

Interview Process

The number of positions in the program is limited. If you are selected for an in-person interview, an HR rep will contact you.

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.

Note: You must have your active California RN license 2 weeks prior to the start of the program and you must have an active American Heart Association BLS (CPR) to start the program.

Learn More

Watch these videos to learn more about CHOC’s RN residency training program.

Graduate program

RN residency program