RN New Graduates
Congratulations on becoming an RN! Here at Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region, we not only share your commitment to life, we depend on it! At the heart of our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the community is the most dedicated nursing staff in the area. We attract and retain nurses by providing them with the finest facilities and resources for quality patient care -- as well as challenges that lead to career growth.
The STRONG positions are now closed. If your application was sent to the hiring manager, you would have received an email from Recruitment informing you.
We anticipate having our next program start in May/June so please check back for updates.
We are so appreciative of your interest and are working within the capacity of our resources to get back to you. This could result in delayed responses to phone calls and emails.
Below you will find Frequently Asked Questions for the STRONG program.
Please note: The RN-STRONG new graduate RN residency program is still in its pilot phase so all aspects of the program are continuously being evaluated and changes are made as necessary. Therefore, some of the answers below may differ from what you understood in prior application periods. They are a result of our program development process and reflect current practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does RN-STRONG stand for?
It is an acronym that stands for, "Supporting the Transition and Retention of New Graduates."
2. What are the purposes of the RN-STRONG Program?
The main purposes of the RN-STRONG program are to offer new graduates who have obtained their Registered Nurse license a one-year structured education and training program aimed at supporting a successful role transition from student to practicing registered nurse in their first year of employment post nursing school. The new graduates begin employment in groups to facilitate their feeling supported by the instructors and preceptors and by each other when together away from the clinical setting. Feeling supported in this manner increases the likelihood of new nurses expressing the fear and anxiety commonly felt by novice nurses with peers who can empathize with each other, and experienced nurses who can assist them in overcoming these feelings, which helps build the new graduate's confidence and successful role transition.
3. Who is eligible for the program?
Preference will be given to newly licensed registered nurses who have graduated from nursing programs within the greater Sacramento valley and foothills and HAVE NOT BEEN EMPLOYED AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN ANY CAPACITY in or outside of California. Preference is given to applicants with a California RN License at the time of submitting the application. Graduates only possessing an Interim Permit during this current application period may apply but assuming the RN position is contingent on having their RN License before the designated start date.
4. What if the newly licensed RN has spent some time working as a RN?
Preference will be given to new graduates from nursing programs throughout the greater Sacramento region with no work experience in a role requiring a RN license. Applicants who are recent graduates of a RN program in the greater Sacramento with some experience in a role requiring a RN license may be considered for enrollment in the program and be interviewed. If selected for an interview, applicants with some RN experience will be requested to bring the actual RN job description for the position they were working to the interview.
5. How do I apply for the program?
Job applications must be submitted via our website: www.checksutterfirst.org Please make sure you thoroughly answer all questions. If applicable, please disclose ALL working experience in a role that required a RN license. Please include a copy of your resume and cover letter. There is no need to include a letter of recommendation at this time. Because there is limited space to attach documents to your on-line application, we ask that you please save letters of recommendation for if/when you are selected for an interview. Keep in mind that whatever you submit will be seen by the Recruiter and Hiring Managers. Please double-check your spelling and grammar.
6. How long is the RN-STRONG program?
The RN-STRONG program is one year in length, and begins with a 6-week orientation if the new graduate will be working one unit or 12-weeks if the new graduate will be working two units. The orientation is comprised of approximately 25% didactic sessions, simulation experience, and other supplemental learning and support activities, and 75% clinical orientation with a unit-based preceptor. Whether oriented for 6 or 12 weeks, beginning week 13 through week 52, the duration of the first year is spent working on the clinical units and up to 8 hours per pay period in supplemental learning and support activities. Beyond the first year they will continue to participate in on-going training, education, and support offered to all SHSSR registered nurses.
7. What hours and shift is a RN-STRONG participant expected to work?
It is expected that the RN-STRONG program participant will work full-time during their orientation period. The orientation is a very concentrated and intense portion of the program and it would be a disadvantage for there to be any missed time. The program participant must also be available to work any shift (days, evenings and nights) as well as any weekday, weekends and holidays during the first year, which will be scheduled according to the affiliate/unit scheduling guidelines and practice.
8. When will the postings be up and where would I find it?
Please check this page for updates on our next cohort.
9. How often is this program offered?
Up to this point in the pilot the program has been offered twice a year. Having cohorts begin at more frequent intervals throughout the year is under consideration. Whatever decision is made will not be effective until 2012 and will be explained when the application period begins for the first cohort in 2012.
Funded in part by a 5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.