Registered Nurse Residency Program
Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) Nurse Residency Program
The Registered Nurse Residency Program is built for new graduate Registered Nurses (RN) who are looking to transition from a nursing student to a competent acute care nurse. The sites for the program include Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), and the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit (IPU).
Practice settings include:
- Medical-Surgical
- Telemetry
- Telemetry-Oncology
- Step Down
- Adult Intensive Care
- Acute Inpatient Withdrawal
- Labor and Delivery
- Ante/Postpartum
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Pediatric
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Operating Room
- Post-Anesthesia Recovery
- Behavioral Health
- Emergency Department
*Location and practice setting assignment will be determined upon availability and acceptance to the program.
The RN Residency Program at Ventura County Medical Center is designed to offer a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters professional growth, critical thinking, competence, and confidence. Designed in conjunction with the Healthstream Nurse Residency Pathway, the evidence-based program equips novice nurses with the essential knowledge, skills, and structured support necessary to transition from a student to professional nurse in a clinical setting.
Aligned with the standards of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP), the RN Residency is constructed with specific domains including, program leadership, program goals and outcome measures, organizational enculturation, development and design, and practice-based learning. The identified core elements ensure a comprehensive and standardized approach is provided that facilitates new graduate nurses to successfully transition into their professional role.
Application Dates
4/21/25 - 5/5/25
RN Residency Start Date
*7/14/25
Program Structure
Over a period of 12 months, the RN resident will be taken through a series of classroom sessions, live education, clinical lectures, simulations, hands on skills, reflective practice, team activities, leadership development, debrief discussion, and much more.
RN residents will take an online knowledge and critical thinking assessment at the beginning of the program to build an individualized training tailored to each resident’s specific needs. Subsequent assessments will be taken 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months to track progress.
Classroom sessions are biweekly in the first few months, after which they transition to monthly sessions. Each session will contain reflective practice, interactive skills, clinical lectures, simulation lab participation, or virtual reality training. Online modules will be tailored according to each resident’s Individualized Development Plan.
Topics covered during the RN Residency Program include but are not limited to:
- Patient Safety
- Patient and Family Centered Care
- Vulnerable Population, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Nursing Scholarship
- Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration
- Informatics and Technology in Healthcare
- Quality Improvement and Safety
- Professionalism, Values, and Ethics
- Resilience, Professional Development, Emotional Intelligence, and Compassion Fatigue
Eligibility Requirements
- Commitment to the 12-month Nurse Residency Program
- Within three (3) months of graduation or recently graduated from an ADN or BSN program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- No prior acute care experience as a licensed RN or less than 6 months in an inpatient setting
- Valid Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR)certification by the start of the program
- A valid California RN license within one month of start date (candidates may apply before licensure)
Application Requirements
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Apply
This Registered Nurse Residency Program provides a structured, supportive environment to help new nurses thrive in an acute care setting. If you’re ready to begin your nursing career with expert mentorship and hands-on training, we invite you to apply!
Application Period Opening Soon!
NURSING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE MODEL
RN Residency FAQ
How long is the Nurse Residency program?
The RN residency is a ONE-YEAR full time commitment
What units will be accepting new grads?
Will vary depending on departmental needs
What if I have experience elsewhere?
You must have <6 months of experience prior to the application date
What are the qualifications for the program?
You must have received either an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and/or Master’s degree from an accredited nursing program
Can I apply without a California RN license?
Yes, only a select few will be accepted and considered an extern. Externs must pass the NCLEX within 3 months of hire. Externs are not guaranteed a Registered Nurse I position.
How many new graduate nurses does VCMC take?
Units accept new grads based on needs and the number of new grads the department feels that they can support. It varies every cohort. You will have the option to indicate your top 3 choices on the application.
What unit receives the least applicants?
We recommend you apply for the unit you have obtained the most clinical experience from because that is the unit you will best be able speak on during an interview.
To whom should my cover letter be addressed?
To whom it may concern. The letter will be viewed by multiple departments.
Where should I send my letters of recommendation?
We do not accept emails for letters of recommendation. They should all be uploaded with all other documents with your application
Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
- Professors
- Clinical Faculty
- Clinical Liaisons
- One from a current clinical manager working in a healthcare environment if applicable
What documents do I need to submit?
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- 2 letters of recommendation
What should I include in my cover letter?
This is your opportunity to let us get to know you better and should show us your passion for nursing. It should be one page or less.
What is the typical timeframe for my orientation?
This varies by department but is also tailored to your needs between your preceptor and management.
