The VA Connecticut Health Care System (VACTHS) is home to two entry-to-practice RN residency programs for new graduates: the Post-Baccalaureate RN Residency Program (PB-RNR) and the RN Transition-to-Practice Program (RN-TTP).
Both programs include didactic and precepted clinical experiences. These experiences are designed to provide new graduates with opportunities to effectively transition to competent professional nurses, with emphasis on developing effective decision-making skills, incorporating evidence into practice, supporting clinical leadership at point of care, and promoting life-long learning and resilience in nursing practice. They will practice collaboratively in an inter-professional model and gain an integrated perspective of nursing leadership and the VA healthcare system.
Note: Nurse residents are considered trainees, and there is no commitment by VA to hire nurse residents upon program completion.
Post-baccalaureate Registered Nurse Resident (PB-BNR)
The PB-BNR program is designed for newly graduated nurses with less than one year of practice experience. It is a 12-month program with varied unit assignments that aims to develop novice RNs into safe and competent professionals.
PB-BNR Trainees are assigned a preceptor for 12 months with shared assignment and participate in a comprehensive evidence-based practice program supported by VA Nurse Scientists with the completion of an Evidence-Based Practice Scholarly Project.
The program includes clinical rotations on inpatient and outpatient units during Phases 1-3 and selection of a nursing unit during Phase 4. Trainees attend didactic and evidence-based practice seminars and interactive clinical sessions and complete required program surveys and evaluations for ongoing program improvement.
Benefits of the Program
- Valuable experience developing and growing your RN skills and knowledge alongside expert colleagues
- Annual stipend and benefits with no required night shift, weekends, or holidays
- Structured mentoring opportunities
- Enhanced clinical and leadership skills in a variety of clinical settings
- In-depth understanding of the continuum of care across the entire healthcare system
- Veteran-centered practice environment to Care for Those Who Have Served Us
Eligibility for the Program
- U.S. Citizen
- Recent graduate (within one year) of a CCNE, ACEN or NLNAC accredited program with a BSN or Direct-Entry MSN degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- First nursing role or less than one year nursing experience
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- Successful pre-employment screening
- Current and unrestricted RN license (or NCLEX scheduled before July 1 for Fall Cohort / October 1 for Spring Cohort)
Application Requirements
- Cover letter and résumé (no more than two pages)
- Personal statement (400 words) that explains why the applicant wishes to be selected for the VA Connecticut Healthcare System RN Residency Program
- Two letters of recommendation — sent in sealed envelops or emailed directly from the recommenders to PB-RNR program director — as follows:
- One letter from a school clinical faculty, and one from nurse manager or assistant nurse manager from unit of senior capstone experience (or immediate nurse supervisor if employed as NA or PCA); or
- Two letters from school clinical faculty
- Official transcripts, sent in sealed envelopes or electronically from approved source
Contact Jancee Pust-Marcone
RN Transition-to-Practice (RN-TTP) Residency Program
The RN-TTP is for any newly graduated nurses with less than one year of practice experience who are hired into a position within the VA Connecticut Health Care System. It is a 12-month program with weekly workshop days, clinical debrifing, evidence-based practice curriculum, and more!
Benefits of the Program
- Structured mentoring and precepting experiences
- Networking opportunities with colleagues
- Didactic and experiential learning
- Clinical debriefing
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
Eligibility for the Program
- U.S. Citizen
- Recent graduate (within one year) of a CCNE, ACEN or NLNAC accredited program with a BSN or Direct-Entry MSN degree
- First nursing role or less than one year nursing experience
- Successful pre-employment screening
- Current and unrestricted RN license
Application Requirements
- Applicaton requirements for open positions are found on USAJobs.gov
Contact Megan Collins
