• Spring AY 2022-2023 Cohort
• Fall AY 2023-2024 Cohort

We recognize that to be successful, a new graduate registered nurse requires support in many forms. The Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency (PB-RNR) program is a 12-month program for recent registered nurse graduates as they transition from student to their first professional RN role that allows you to work as confident, experienced RN at the program’s conclusion. The federally funded nurse residency program at Salt Lake City VA Healthcare System is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).

Clinical rotations and didactic learning activities build upon knowledge gained and competencies developed during residents’ prelicensure educational and precepted clinical experiences. This program is designed to provide the new graduate RN opportunities to effectively transition from novice to competent, professional nurses. These experiences emphasize the development of clinical and leadership skills to be successful as a full partner within the healthcare team. Curriculum and clinical experiences encourage development of effective decision-making skills, interpreting and incorporating evidence-based research into daily practice, supporting clinical leadership at point of care and promoting life-long learning and resilience in nursing practice.

As a nurse resident you will practice collaboratively in an interprofessional model while gaining an integrated perspective of nursing leadership. You will gain experience within the VA healthcare system with exposure to multiple inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. The year is like a fellowship – you will earn significant work experience, as well as clinical and professional training and skill development opportunities that are not typically available to someone starting out in an entry-level nursing position.

About the PB-RNR Program

• Engage in a 12-month residency/trainee program that fosters a supportive learning and working environment, enabling you to perform as an experienced RN at the program’s conclusion
• Participate in supervised and precepted clinical experience, with graduated autonomy as competency is demonstrated
• Enhance clinical and leadership skills in a variety of clinical settings, gaining experience while developing and growing your skills and knowledge alongside expert colleagues
• Understand the continuum of care across the entire VA health care system
• Attend weekly/bi-weekly didactic instruction and seminars, experiential learning opportunities and simulation exercises
• Work various shifts based on the preceptor’s availability and didactic course schedule
  (variable days/swings/some weekends and/or nights). No holidays
• Rotate through the following departments: Acute Medicine (2E/2W), Post-Surgical (3W), Telemetry, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Department (ED), Inpatient Psychiatric Unit (IPU) and rotate through multiple inpatient and outpatient units and clinics
• Veteran-centered practice environment to "Care for Those Who Have Served Us" and fulfilling the VA’s mission to ensure that Veterans receive the highest quality of care in a safe environment

Salary & benefits

• Receive a $55,888 stipend (as of AY2022-23, March Cohort) over the course of the year
• Receive a $57,689 stipend (as of AY2023-2024, July Cohort) over the course of the year
• Accrued annual and sick leave starting from day one
• Eligible for FICA contributions and option for medical and life insurance benefits

Note: PB-RNR nurse residents are considered health professions trainees (HPTs) and there is no commitment required for continued employment after the completion of the year-long program. After successful completion of the residency we do hope that you will find your calling to care for Veterans within the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.

Our program is limited to 10 participants, is highly competitive and seeks new graduate registered nurses who are driven, mission-centric, compassionate, resilient, and possess effective interpersonal skills to be effective change agents. It is an intensive 12-month program, using a three-phase curriculum intended to prepare the new graduate RN to transition as a competent nurse into various acute care, ambulatory, and outpatient settings with a robust network of resources, strong organizational knowledge, and leadership skills.

Applications open for submission: Friday November 25, 2022

Application deadline: Rolling deadline

Spring AY2022-23 Program Start Date: March 26, 2023

Fall AY2023-2024 Program Start Date: July 30, 2023

To apply

Applicant Criteria

• Be a US citizen
• Be a graduate of a BSN or MSN (entry level) program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN
• Be a licensed RN by the start date of the program
• Be a licensed RN for less than one-year post graduation from your nursing program and NO prior work experience as an RN. This must be your first RN role (some exceptions allowed, please discuss with program director).
• Commit to completing the one-year nurse residency program

Application Packet Requirements

• Resume
• Copy of official transcript which shows a date degree is conferred and cumulative GPA of greater than 3.0 (unofficial transcripts will be accepted prior to graduation from BSN program
• If pending confirmation of degree, an unofficial transcript can be submitted initially
  • Copy of RN license or NCLEX authorization letter with plan or testing appointment
• Please provide three references
  • At least ONE from college of nursing faculty member
  • At least ONE from a current or former employer or supervisor
  • References are emailed to Christine.Spatig@va.gov
• Additional onboarding requirements** will be requested after initial review of qualifications, these include:
  • Proof of TB screening
  • Hep B vaccination or waiver
  • Proof of current flu immunization
  • Proof of health exam, health satisfactory to perform duties of training program
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination series

Submit Completed Application Packets

By Email (preferred): Christine.Spatig@va.gov

In Person or By Mail:
ATTN: Christine Spatig, PB-RNR Program Director
George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center
500 Foothill Dr
Center for Learning, Building 4, Room 1B08
Salt Lake City, Utah 84148

**Note: additional documents may be required by VA Human Resources at time of appointment

Questions?

Contact us:

Christine Spatig, MSN, RN
Program Director
Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency (PBRNR) Program
500 Foothill Drive, Building 4 Room 1B08
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
email: Christine.Spatig@va.gov (preferred) | office: 801-582-1565, ext. 2329

Amber Brennan, MSN, RN, CHCR
Chief Nurse of Education
500 Foothill Drive, Building 4 Room 1B05
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
email: Amber.Brennan@va.gov (preferred) | office: 801-582-1565, ext. 1460