New to Nursing

New to Nursing Careers at The University of Vermont Health Network

The University of Vermont Health Network is invested in supporting the growth of new Nurses entering the workforce.

Newly graduated Registered Nurses face many challenges as they transition from school to the bedside including role transition, high performance expectations in a high acuity setting, and an increased level of accountability. Our Nurse Residency programs provide additional tools to make the transition to clinical practice easier for our new RNs and prepare them for a successful start to their careers.

Nurse Residency Programs across the health partners are designed to provide new nurses with the knowledge, skills, and critical behaviors needed to be successful starting their new career. Newly graduated nurses will engage with experienced nurses, nurse educators, and subject matter experts in a series of classes, hands on skills sessions, and precepted clinical experiences in order to be able to safely and confidently provide quality care to patients. Clinical preceptors will facilitate patient care experiences and provide direct supervision of care as you demonstrate skills and behaviors at the bedside. Applying to The University of Vermont Health Network is the first step in a career of lifelong learning as a registered nurse.

Explore the current offerings at each of our participating affiliates:

  • About the Program

    The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program

    This program launched in February of 2018 and is a curriculum trusted by more than 350 healthcare organizations across the United States. This is a one-year transition-to-practice program designed to support nurses in their first year and help them flourish in their new career and provides 100+ hours of residency seminars and skills. Nurses will learn real-life skills such as stress management, decision-making, critical thinking, and patient safety.

    Seminars include simulation, skills, case studies, interactive learning and team building activities, and wellness initiatives. “The nurse residency program offers multiple specialty tracks and includes skills immersion days, preceptor workshop, evidence-based practice education, and specialty practice experiences as part of the program.”

    Our program includes four to five cohorts a year that foster interprofessional connections amongst specialty internships. Applicants who apply to and are hired for a graduate nurse position are automatically enrolled in the nurse residency program. Nurses will learn with peers in their cohort and be led through monthly learning sessions by experts throughout the organization.

    Orientation

    Orientation includes a hospital orientation, a systems-level nursing orientation, and unit-level clinical experience and didactics. Working with trained preceptors, you'll learn the routine of the unit, master organizational skills and become confident with the computer applications related to nursing documentation.

    Program Offerings

    The UVM Medical Center hires graduate nurses into the following areas (please note that openings may not be available in all areas for each cycle):

    • Ambulatory
    • Birthing Center
    • Cardiology
    • Cardiothoracic
    • Emergency Department
    • General Medicine
    • General Surgery
    • Hematology/Oncology
    • Inpatient Psychiatry
    • Inpatient Rehab
    • Medical ICU
    • Mother/Baby Unit
    • Neonatal ICU
    • Neurosciences and Surgery
    • Operating Room (OR)
    • Orthopedics and Urology
    • Pediatrics
    • SICU/PICU
    • Women's Health

    Our Achievements

    In 2024, The University of Vermont Medical Center received America’s Best Maternity Hospitals awarded by Newsweek illuminating hospitals that are best equipped to provide some of life’s most crucial care. The Medical Center also received the 2024 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity High Performer in recognition of their promoting equitable and inclusive care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender and queer patients, and their families.

    Newsweek - 2024 America's Best Maternity Hospitals
    2024 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer
    Healthgrades - Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award 2024
    Healthgrades - Speciality Excellence Award 2024

    Program Timeline:

    Track
    Start Date
    Application Window
    Critical Care
    February 3, 2025
    September 1, 2024 – January 10, 2025
    July 21, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – July 3, 2025
    October 27, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – October 10, 2025
    Progressive Care
    March 3, 2025
    September 1, 2024 – February 7, 2025
    July 21, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – July 3, 2025
    October 27, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – October 10, 2025
    Med Surg
    March 3, 2025
    September 1, 2024 – February 7, 2025
    June 23, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 6, 2025
    September 2, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – August 15, 2025
    October 27, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – October 10, 2025
    Emergency Department
    September 2, 2025
    January 15, 2025 – April 15, 2025
    Operating Room
    January 20, 2025
    September 1, 2024 – February 7, 2025
    June 23, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 6, 2025
    Other Specialties
    Aligned with the start dates above
    October 21, 2024 – October 10, 2025
  • About the Program

    This program allows new RN graduates to work directly with experienced nurses and transition into professional hospital nursing positions. You will work one-on-one with a preceptor to become proficient in the basic skills required to be an RN. You will also participate in monthly seminars focusing on different knowledge skills sets to prepare you as you become an RN. Residents of this program will receive full-time wages and benefits. Permanent position placements will be dependent upon current staffing needs.

    Program Offerings

    CVMC hires graduate nurses into the following areas (please note that openings may not be available in all areas for each cycle):

    • Emergency Department
    • Intensive Care
    • Medical-Surgical
    • Psychiatry
    • Surgical Services
    • Woodridge Skilled Nursing Facility
    • Women and Children’s Unit

    Program Timeline:

    Start Date
    Application Window
    July 7, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 20, 2025
  • About the Program

    This is a one-year transition-to-practice program designed to support nurses in their first year and help them flourish in their new career.

    Program Offerings

    CVPH hires graduate nurses into the following areas (please note that openings may not be available in all areas for each cycle):

    • Cardiovascular Care
    • Emergency Department
    • Inpatient Psychiatry
    • Medical-Surgical (Oncology/Palliative)
    • Medical-Surgical (Ortho/Neuro/Trauma)
    • Medical-Surgical (Urology/Nephrology/Long-Term Care)
    • Operating Room
    • Progressive Care
    • Resource Pool (Floats to Med/Surg, Prog, Psych and Women & Children's)
    • Skilled Nursing Facility
    • Women & Children's Center

    Our Achievements

    The CVPH New Nurse Residency Program is proud to be accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Practice Transition Program (PTAP) since 2018.

    PTAP accreditation is considered the gold standard for nurse residency programs around the world. By meeting the standards set by the ANCC, we know our new nurses are going to feel supported and confident and have the experiences necessary to provide excellent care to our patients.

    Program Timeline:

    Start Date
    Application Window
    February 3, 2025
    September 1, 2024 – January 10, 2025
    July 7, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 20, 2025
    August 4, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – July 18, 2025
    September 2, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – August 15, 2025
    September 29, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – September 12, 2025
  • About the Program

    Porter is proud to offer a 9-month Nurse Residency Program for new graduate RN’s. Our next cohort will be starting July 7th, 2025 and will finish up in March of 2026.

    Our program seeks to fulfill the requirements of the American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program. The program meets weekly for the first 4-weeks of clinical orientation and then transitions to meeting once a month for the remaining 8 months. Residency days will consist of activities to enhance critical thinking, time management skills, personal wellbeing, communication, patient safety, and ethical decision making. Time will also be spent practicing key nursing skills and engaging with guest speakers on clinical hot topics.

    In addition to enhancing clinical education and support, the benefits of participation in a Residency program also include development of peer-to-peer relationships and mentorship relationships within the organization. Mentorship will continue past the residency program if desired by the mentee.

    Program Offerings

    Porter Medical Center hires graduate nurses into the following areas (please note that openings may not be available in all areas for each cycle):

    • Cardiovascular Care
    • Birthing Center
    • Cardiovascular Care
    • Emergency Room
    • Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing
    • Medical-Surgical
    • Operating Room/ASU/PACU

    Program Timeline:

    Start Date
    Application Window
    July 7, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 20, 2025
  • Program Offerings

    Elizabethtown Community Hospital Program Offerings – ECH hires graduate nurses into the following areas (please note that openings may not be available in all areas for each cycle):

    • Emergency Department (Elizabethtown)
    • Emergency Department (Ticonderoga)
    • 25-bed Inpatient Unit (Elizabethtown)

    Our Achievements

    Elizabethtown Community Hospital was Named by Becker’s for Commitment to High Quality Care, Access in Rural Areas.

    Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital, and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with the information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare.

    Program Timeline:

    Start Date
    Application Window
    July 7, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 20, 2025
  • About the Program

    Home Health & Hospice supports individuals and families at every age and stage of life through five primary programs – Family and Children’s, Adult Home Health, Adult Day, Long-Term Care and Hospice and Palliative Care – offering care wherever community members call home. New Graduate Nurses will have access to a robust training and orientation period where you are partnered with a preceptor to learn all aspects of the nursing role. As a nurse with The UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice, you will have flexibility in your daily and weekly schedules — no evenings or nights required, work in a supportive team environment, receive ongoing clinical education/training opportunities, work just one weekend rotation per month while enjoying working in and supporting your community.

    Program Offerings

    Home Health & Hospice offers opportunities for new nurses within the following areas:

    • Adult Home Health
    • Hospice (Community & Respite House)
    • Pediatric & Adult High Tech

    Program Timeline:

    Start Date
    Application Window
    July 7, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 20, 2025
  • About the Program

    We offer a clinical ladder program and several career development opportunities.

    Program Offerings

    Alice Hyde Medical Center offers opportunities for new nurses within the following areas:

    • The Alice Center (Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living)
    • Inpatient Medical/Surgical

    Our Achievements

    Alice Hyde Medical Center was Named by Becker’s for Commitment to High Quality Care, Access in Rural Areas.

    Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital, and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with the information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare.

    The hospital’s critical access hospital (CAH) status, earned in November 2023, has strengthened its commitment to serving the community.

    Program Timeline:

    Start Date
    Application Window
    July 7, 2025
    October 21, 2024 – June 20, 2025

Eligibility Requirements

All candidates must:

  • Have less than one-year experience as a registered nurse
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN exam prior to start date

The Application Process

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

How to apply:

  • You will be required to submit a resume and you will have the option to select your location and unit preferences at time of application.
  • Upon receiving your completed application, you will be sent a link via SkillSurvey to enter the names and contact information of five references (two Clinical Instructors, one Manager, and two coworkers).
  • Interviews will be scheduled based on your unit preferences.
  • The interview timeline varies due to position availability, and we will do our best to keep you informed throughout the process.

Apply Now

RN Residency cohorts occur in July, August, September, and October.

Check back for updates as dates may possibly change.

Process Step
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
Application Available
November
November
November
November
NCLEX Deadline
June 24, 2024
July 22, 2024
August 20, 2024
Oct. 14, 2024
VT and NY State RN License Deadline
Feb. 1, 2024, by 2 p.m. EST
Apr. 25, 2024, by 2 p.m. EST
Aug. 1, 2024, by 2 p.m. EST
Oct. 24, 2024, by 2 p.m. EST
Start Date
July 8, 2024
August 5, 2024
September 3, 2024
October 28, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiring Process

What are you looking for in candidates for nursing positions at UVM Health Network?

We are looking for energetic, passionate nurses that have a desire to provide exceptional care to their patients; prioritize patient safety in their care; and embrace the diversity of our patients, families and staff.

What does the application process entail?

Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé at time of application. Once your application is received, we will reach out to discuss your health partner and unit preferences and submit your information into our reference checking system called SkillSurvey.

When will I be notified about the status of my application?

You will be contacted by e-mail within two business days after submitting your application. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please reach out to us at GraduateNurse@uvmhealth.org (link opens in a new window).

Orientation

How should I dress during my patient care orientation?

For inpatient areas, required attire includes scrub top and pants, or business causal during classroom days. Closed-toe shoes are required in all areas. Your badge should be above the waist and visible to others in the hospital at all times.

Nurse Residency 

How many hours per week do nurse residents work?

Nurse Residents will work their hired FTE and may work up to 40 hours a week during weeks of residency coursework. Please note the first year of hire is demanding, as nurse residents must balance Nurse Residency classes, unit-based orientation, and patient care orientation shifts with their preceptors.

When are nurse residency classes?

Nurse Residency is a yearlong program. It is expected that the nurse resident will attend all residency classes. Class dates and times will vary throughout residency and will be communicated in advance for you to prepare. All residency time is paid time and is supported by the unit leadership team.

Joining the Unit

Will I be working weekends and holidays?

Each unit has varying weekend and holiday requirements. Make sure you ask the Nurse Management team during your interview about these requirements.

Licensure

How long does it take to get my nursing license?

Candidates will want to plan for up to 8 total weeks between taking/passing the NCLEX exam and a cohort’s start date to ensure that they will be eligible.

What if my license is still pending upon start date?

In the event that a candidate accepts a job offer for the RN Residency Program but still has a pending RN license at the time of the deadline, we will work with that candidate to attempt to postpone their start date to that of the next available cohort, which is usually around 2 to 3 months later.

Benefits

What are the benefits available to me as a new nurse?

We offer our nurse residents comprehensive benefit packages that includes: paid time off, medical / dental / vision / life insurance benefits, and a 403B retirement plan available with matching opportunity. We are committed to helping nurses grow in their profession and happy to provide more information about opportunities specific to your goals.

Do I get vacation time during my nurse residency?

It is the nurse resident’s responsibility to schedule time off around residency classes. Vacation hours must be accrued and requested per union contract or company policy in order to take time off. You will discuss the process and timing for requesting time off with your nursing leaders once you have been hired.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact: GraduateNurse@uvmhealth.org (link opens in a new window)

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