Pediatric RN Residency Program

All Children's Hospital RN Residency Program Description

Pediatric RN Residency:  The All Children's Hospital Pediatric RN Residency is dedicated to providing a 12-month foundational program for the graduate or otherwise eligible nurse to provide the support and knowledge to grow into a competent pediatric professional practitioner. In addition to hospital nursing orientation, the RN Residency Program consists of 40 hours of general classes within the first 10 weeks, followed by a 4-hour Survive & Thrive session, scheduled monthly for the remainder of the first year. These classes will be accompanied by preceptor-led orientation to the unit of hire, unit specific classes and training, looping opportunities to other hospital departments and services, simulation, a mentor program, clinical debriefings, and support time/self-care sessions. Sub-specialty areas (PICU, CVICU, NICU, Peri-operative, EC, Hematology/Oncology) will provide more extensive training. All new graduate nurses are expected to actively participate in the RN Residency Program.

Critical Care Track: We are proud to offer additional training on a Critical Care Track for our PICU and CVICU specialties. Critical Care Nursing has evolved from being a task-oriented job to being a blend of art and science that requires knowledge, skill and motivation to practice competently. In the Critical Care Track, the RN Resident will gain one year experience of general pediatric medicine prior to transitioning into a critical care unit.  The Critical Care Track is also offered based upon unit staffing needs and may not be available for each Residency Class. It is typically offered twice a year.

Eligibility

Residency Program Requirements for New Hire or Transfer:

• All external applicants must have a BSN to be eligible for the All Children's RN Residency Program
• Any nurse who has not worked at another facility in the RN Role for greater than 6 months
• Any nurse after completion of an LPN to RN program, within 6 months of licensure
• Current Florida RN License will be required at least 1 week prior to start date (see dates above)

Residency Guidelines

Making a decision to become a pediatric nurse at All Children's Hospital is an important step in your career. The guidelines to enter the program are included below.  A list of Frequently Asked Questions is also available on our site.

Required Documentation - Receipt of all documentation will complete your application. Documentation listed below must be received by the dates listed above, in order for your application to be considered.

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Two Clinical References on letterhead from direct supervisors (if working in a clinical setting), professors, or preceptors

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Where do I go to apply?  On the application dates listed above, a link will open directly on this web page for you to complete and submit your application to an RN I position. An application button will ONLY appear on the dates posted above and will be prominently displayed. No late applications will be accepted.  
2. How do I send in my letters of recommendation? Please upload both your cover letter & your letters of recommendation in the cover letter field in the online application.  You will need to scan these documents into a single pdf document so that they can be uploaded as one document.  (There will be a separate field for you to upload your resume.) Please ensure that you receive your recommendation letters prior to the application date.
3. To whom should my cover letter and/or letters of recommendation be addressed? Appropriate salutations include: "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear Hiring Team," "Dear Nursing Managers," or "To Whom It May Concern." Although many job-hunting sites and columns suggest that you direct your letter to a specific person, when you apply to the RN Residency your application usually is considered by several units. If you are only interested in one unit, you may use a specific greeting (e.g. "Dear CVICU Unit" or "Dear PICU Hiring Manager"). However, please keep in mind that if you choose this type of greeting you are limiting your options and your application might not be considered by other units.
4. What experience will help me get hired? Our hiring team places value in the number of hours in pediatric clinical rotations, previous EMT, LPN or CNA experience, volunteer experience and stable work history. For more tips and career information, "like" our facebook page or join our Talent Community.
5. When will I be notified about the status of my application?  All applications will be reviewed. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.  If you are not selected, you will receive a notification. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, we are unable to provide updates regarding specific applications. 
6. What is the RN Residency Interview Fair? Those that applied and meet the minimum qualifications will receive an invitation via email to an RN Residency Interview Fair. This invitation-only event will occur on June 5, 2013. To qualify, you must have completed an application and met the minimum qualifications.  Candidates who cannot attend will still be considered; however all candidates are strongly encouraged to attend. An itinerary will be provided and will include hotel and travel recommendations for out-of-town attendees. 
7. What happens after the RN Residency Interview Fair? After the RN Residency Interview Fair, selected out-of-state (and some out-of-town) candidates will interview with matched units the following day. Local candidates will be scheduled for in-person interviews within the next few weeks.  Candidates who did not attend the fair will be reviewed and invited for interviews accordingly.
8. Why should I attend the RN Residency Interview Fair? This RN Residency Interview Fair gives candidates an opportunity to tour the hospital and to meet in person with the Hiring Team, including Directors, Managers, Educators, Unit Leaders and Recruiters.  On the tour, you'll see the units that are available for the RN Residency, our Sim Lab (where you will train), and meet some of the nurses that could soon be your future co-workers!  The RN Residency Program offers an intensive educational opportunity and support beyond the traditional 13 week programs offered by other hospitals. Our hospital is the only free standing-pediatric hospital on the Gulf Coast of Florida and the only member of Johns Hopkins Medicine outside of the Baltimore area. Getting a glimpse of what we have to offer will give you the opportunity to determine if All Children's Hospital is the right first step in your career. Also, since all of our RN Residency candidates are new RNs, we know it can be a little difficult to convey everything you want in a cover letter and resume. The interview fair will give you a way to distinguish yourself in-person as a good match for the RN Residency program.
9. Will I be required to sign a contract? We do not require that you sign a contract. All Children's Hospital offers significant commitment to the extensive training, education and support of New Graduate Nurses and RN Residents. Because of this, we do ask that you carefully consider your commitment to the program and the organization. Please read our letter of commitment for more information.

10. What if I am not hired? You may reapply to future residency programs, provided you still meet the criteria. If you have over one year of RN experience, our RN II positions might be an option for you. You are welcome to join our Talent Community to receive notifications of All Children's Hospital Nursing Career information.

Transfer Guideline

An RN Resident will not be eligible for transfer to another unit/department until one year from the completion of their orientation, except with Administrative approval.

Additionally, a Critical Care Track RN Resident will not be eligible for transfer to another unit/department until two years from the completion of their ICU orientation, except with Administrative approval.

Initial Classes - 40 hours

The first ten weeks of the RN Residency Program serve to introduce the new graduate nurse to All Children's Hospital, the role of the registered nurse, and patient care. Foundational knowledge will be explored, including safety, conflict management, prioritization, and time management. Resources within the hospital will be presented as the resident is immersed in the support of the team. (The ACH RN Residency Program Classes will begin following New Employee Orientation and general Nursing Orientation.

Survive & Thrive - 44 hours

Survive & Thrive is an extension of the ACH RN Residency Program. The sessions are held once a month, for 4 hours and begin during the third month of RN resident orientation. The educational topics presented in these sessions will build upon the foundational knowledge provided during the resident's first ten weeks class time, while providing an introduction to professional development. The resident will be introduced to the Mentor Program and continue to receive support through peer interaction with the Support Team and Clinical Debriefings.

Description of Residency Programs

• Mentor Program: This program focuses on the introduction of the RN resident to the world of mentoring. The RN resident will learn the difference between a mentor and a preceptor, and will receive guidance in the determination of a mentor. The mentor and RN resident will receive instruction, support, and encouragement regarding their relationship. The program is facilitated by the Mentor Team.
   
• Support Team: This program provides the RN Resident with information on self-care during their new career as a registered nurse. The Support Team sessions provide the opportunity for discussion and sharing of experiences encountered in the practice setting, with a focus on maintaining and supporting the self. The program is facilitated by the Support Team.
   
• Clinical Debriefing: The debriefing sessions provide the opportunity for RN Resident to discuss and analyze scenarios, challenges, and successes in the clinical setting while receiving support and encouragement from peers.

Thank you for your interest in the All Children's Hospital Pediatric RN Residency Program.