New grad nurses: stop applying blindly. This free AI tool finds nurse residency programs by state, specialty, and health system — including Magnet hospitals, top health systems, and specialty rotation tracks.
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The difference between a rough first year and a great one often comes down to this one decision.
Find your program in three steps.
Tell the tool your target state(s), preferred specialty, graduation timeline, and any health systems you're interested in.
The AI surfaces residency programs that fit your criteria — with info on program length, structure, Magnet status, and typical application windows.
Get application tips, deadline guidance, and interview prep specific to the programs on your list.
The finder covers residency programs across all major nursing specialties.
Everything you need to land your first nursing job. Use the nursing job search to browse open positions.
A nurse residency program is a structured transition-to-practice program for new graduate RNs. Lasting 6–12 months, residencies combine clinical rotations, simulation lab training, mentorship, and classroom education to help new nurses develop critical thinking and specialty skills before practicing independently.
You don't legally need one, but studies show new grad nurses who complete a residency have significantly lower first-year turnover and higher confidence. Many ICU, OR, and specialty units now require or strongly prefer new grads to complete a formal residency program before independent practice.
Most programs run 6 to 12 months. Some specialty programs — particularly critical care, perioperative, or emergency nursing — run up to 18 months. You are paid as a full-time employee during the entire residency.
Yes — residency programs are paid positions. You receive a full RN salary while in the program. Some hospitals start residents at a slightly lower rate and increase pay after completion; others pay full market rate from day one. Always ask about the compensation structure before accepting.
Orientation is typically 4–8 weeks of unit-specific onboarding with a preceptor. A residency is a formal, structured 6–12 month program with cohort-based learning, simulation, classroom components, multiple specialty rotations, and dedicated mentorship. Residencies are significantly more comprehensive.