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 recently registered nurse graduates as they transition from student to their first professional RN role that allows them to work as confident and experienced RN at the program’s conclusion.

Our program is limited to 6 participants, is highly competitive and seeks new graduate registered nurses who are driven, mission-centric, compassionate, resilient, and possess practical interpersonal skills to be effective change agents. It is an intensive 12-month program, using a three-phase curriculum 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.

About the PB-RNR Program

• Engage in a 12-month 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 developing and growing your skills and knowledge alongside expert colleagues
• Understand the continuum of care across the entire VA health care system
• Attend biweekly didactic instruction and seminars, experiential learning opportunities and simulation exercises
• Be based on a med/Surg unit and rotate through a variety of units/clinics, including Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Mental Health.
• 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 stipend (as of AY2022-23) over the course of the year
• Accrued annual and sick leave starting from day one
• Eligible for health benefits, including medical, dental and vision

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 San Diego Health Care System.

Applications for 2022-2023

Our program is limited to 6 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: Monday, May 2, 2022

Application Deadline: Friday, May 20, 2022

 Interviews: Qualified candidates will be scheduled for an in-person interview tentatively for June 6-10, though dates are subject to change

Tentative Program Start date: Week of August 1, 2022

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
• Must have graduated less than a year from the program start date with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Be a licensed RN by the start of the program 
• Must not have had ANY paid RN or paid Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) work experience
• Commit to completing the one-year nurse residency program

Application Packet Requirements

• Resume: must include your “unpaid” and “paid” clinical experiences
• Copy of official transcript (show date degree conferred and cumulative GPA of greater than 3.0)
• If pending confirmation of degree, applicants can submit an unofficial transcript initially
  • Copy of RN license or NCLEX authorization letter with plan or testing appointment*
• An essay with no more than 500 words addressing
  • “Why I Wish to be Selected for the VA San Diego HCS RN Residency Program.”
  • *Essay no more than 500 words/one page, 12-font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
• Two (2) letters of reference/recommendation (LOR)
  • One (1) from a college of nursing faculty member
  • One (1) from a current or former employer or supervisor (if no previous work can be clinical faculty) 
• Additional onboarding requirements** will be requested after an 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 satisfaction to perform duties of the training program

Submit Completed Application Packets

By Email (preferred):  

Christina Kiger, PhD, RN
PB-RNR Program Director
VA San Diego Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Village Drive MC118
San Diego, CA 92161
christina.kiger@va.gov