Nurse Residency Program

Call 865-305-7746 for more information or apply here and search “New Graduate RN” under “Job Description Keyword” at the bottom of the page.

The University of Tennessee Medical Center provides a one-year nurse residency program (NRP).  The purpose of the program is to facilitate a successful transition from nursing student into professional nursing practice.  Our goal is to facilitate the highest level of professional nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and retain nursing staff.

New nurses receive the education and support necessary to develop clinical knowledge, skills and judgment to become a high performing nurse.  The program focuses on leadership, patient outcomes and professional role.  Support is provided by the unit nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist/clinical nurse educator, nurse residency program coordinator, and unit-based nurse preceptors to integrate core content in the areas of professional development, leadership at the bedside and patient safety outcomes.

Expert nurses facilitate monthly sessions with emphasis on:

  • Critical thinking
  • Leadership abilities
  • Patient safety
  • Individual professional development plan
  • Communication skills
  • Research-based practice

The nurse resident must participate in all scheduled monthly educational sessions and will complete a capstone evidence based project over the 12-month period.

Under direct supervision of the supporting staff, the nurse resident provides nursing care to assigned patients in accordance with the UT Medical Center’s standards of care.  He or she is evaluated using the performance expectations associated with the unit-based competency training and nurse residency program.  Successful completion of the nurse residency program includes:

  • Completion of a competency-based unit-specific orientation
  • Scheduled monthly educations sessions
  • Capstone evidence based practice project
  • NRP surveys
  • Hospital performance evaluation tools

Applicant Eligibility

  • Graduated from an accredited nursing program. BSN preferred, ASN will be required to complete a contract to complete BSN within 3 years of hire. The organization offers tuition reimbursement.
  • Successfully completed the NCLEX exam and results are posted to the Tennessee board of nursing website or other compact state.
  • RN with less than 6 months experience

Application Requirements

  1. Apply online to the Nurse Residency Program. Call 865-305-7746 for more information or apply here and search “New Graduate RN” under “Job Description Keyword” at the bottom of the page.
  2. Clinical evaluation – Candidates will be required to provide two professional letters of reference prior to interview for the position. References can be requested from your professor/instructor by asking them to use our online reference form.

Interviewing Process

  • Applications are reviewed by Human Resources and an initial interview will be scheduled with a Recruiter. During this interview you will choose three of top areas of interest on the unit description form.
  • Your application will be forwarded to hiring managers on the areas of interest. You will conduct an interview with the nurse manager.
  • We offer an opportunity to shadow on the unit and complete a peer interview.
  • It is highly discouraged for applicants to approach hiring managers directly in regards to residency openings. All applications must go through Human Resources.

Offers

Offers are contingent and are not considered official until the following items are received:

  • Successful completion of the NCLEX exam
  • Tennessee RN licensure or RN licensure from a compact state. License verification must be posted to the TN board of nursing website prior to start date.
  • Passing a post-offer, pre-employment health screen and background check.

Contact Us

Call 865-305-7746 for more information or apply here and search “Nurse Residency Program."

Nursing Excellence at the Medical Center

Brain & Spine Institute

The University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Stroke Team is committed to providing evidence-based care to East Tennesseans experiencing ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Cancer Institute

As the largest provider of cancer care in the region, the Cancer Institute offers the broadest spectrum of cancer specialists and services to care for the adult population.

Clinical Services

Endoscopy services include diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal and pulmonary procedures.

Emergency & Trauma

The University of Tennessee Medical Center Emergency Department is the tertiary referral center for medical care in the East Tennessee region. It is the area’s only designated Level I Trauma Center for adults and pediatrics. 

Heart Lung Vascular Institute

The University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab is a multidisciplinary department providing cardiac services for inpatient and outpatient adult populations. 

Medical Surgical

General Surgery and Gastroenterology is a 30-bed acute care telemetry unit within the medical-surgical service line. 

Orthopaedic Institute

The Orthopaedic Institute and University Orthopaedic Surgeons are dedicated to providing quality, safe, and patient centered care through a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services.

Other Areas

The Ambulatory Infusion Center is designed to provide a quick and comfortable setting for patients needing IV therapy.

Perioperative

The Pre-Anesthesia Testing Unit is for patients having surgery or other interventional procedures requiring anesthesia. 

Women & Infants

The 4 East Antepartum / Gynecology Unit is a private 23 bed unit dedicated to Women’s Health.