For new grad nurses: if you want to make a difference in children’s lives, impact the nursing profession, and contribute to the future of research, apply to join our team!
Applications will open in January 2024.
The Nurse Residency Program (NRP) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides new grad nurses the opportunity to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse (PON) at St. Jude.
Nurse Residency Program Overview
The St. Jude Nurse Residency Program is an accredited Practice Transition Program (PTAP) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This means:
- our program meets standards set on the quality of our residency program content,
- the program is led by knowledgeable and experienced faculty,
- the program’s roots are in evidence-based practice, and
- patient care and outcomes have improved.
We hire nurse residents twice a year who enter a cohort based on their hire date. Our unique model allows new grads to join the NRP before they are licensed. To ensure licensure success, we provide extensive NCLEX support, including study materials, test preparation, and a designated week with independent study time, simulation and gaming.
The NRP lasts 10 months and offers nurse residents a supportive, clinical skills-based curriculum to kickstart their professional development. During the first several weeks of the program, nurse residents rotate through each of our patient care areas: inpatient, outpatient, surgical services and ICU. This exposes the nurse residents to the continuum of care at St. Jude, builds relationships across the organization, and allows residents to see all the potential nursing opportunities.The program culminates with Match Day, when residents are matched to a unit in the hospital where they will begin nursing orientation with their new team.
Eligibility
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing with a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BS or BSN) required; and,
- New graduates must pass the NCLEX within 90 days of hire and must obtain a Tennessee license, or the state of primary residency if the state is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. To find out about participating compact states, visit www.ncsbn.org.
Podcast Episodes
Morgan Melancon (director of Nursing Education and Professional Development) has appeared on these podcast episodes discussing the Nurse Residency Program at St. Jude. Listen below or search wherever you listen to podcasts.
Nurse Residency Program Match Day
After the clinical rotation, nurse residents are matched to one of the following units at the Nurse Resident Match Day ceremony:
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Hematology
- Intensive Care Unit
- Intermediate Care Unit
- Oncology
- Outpatient Clinics
- Infusion Center and Acute Care Clinic
- Surgical Services
Following Match Day, each nurse resident begins their individualized clinical orientation on their matched unit, working alongside a preceptor to learn skills necessary to care for St. Jude patients. Additionally, the nurse resident will attend monthly NRP sessions which involve didactic lessons, simulation, and a variety of activities to assist with the transition from novice to competent nurse. As part of the NRP, nurse residents participate in various events to help them enculturate into St. Jude and the Memphis community.
At the culmination of the program, the nurse residents graduate and will be transitioned into our mentor program where they obtain support from a senior nurse to help guide them through their second year of professional practice.
Nurse Residency Program Expectations
New grad nurses should be able to:
- Commit to full-time employment for a minimum of the one-year of the NRP per the Residency Agreement
- Adhere to St. Jude and NRP policies per the Residency Agreement
- Uphold the St. Jude Values
Nurse Residency Program Deadlines/Timeline
| December 2023 Graduates | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Window | August 1–September 15, 2023 |
| Finalists Notified/Video Screens | September 5-20, 2023 |
| Roundtable interview sessions | September 22–29, 2023 |
| Candidate Notifications | By October 15, 2023 |
| Graduation | December 2023 |
| Start Date | January 22, 2024 |
| Match Day | March 8, 2024 |
| *To maintain the integrity of our program, all residents must be on campus for the entirety of their residency rotations,January-March. | |
| May 2024 Graduates | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Window | January 1 – March 1, 2024 |
| Finalists Notified/Video Screening | February 15 – March 5, 2024 |
| Roundtable interview sessions | March 15-22, 2024 |
| Candidate Notifications | By March 30, 2024 |
| Graduation | May 2024 |
| Start Date | June 20, 2024 |
| Match Day | August 9, 2024 |
| *To maintain the integrity of our program, all residents must be on campus for the entirety of their residency rotations,June-August. | |
Students are encouraged to start the application process according to the graduation cycle timeframe (pay attention to the deadline dates).
Documents to gather prior to applying:
- Unofficial copy of college transcripts
- Reference Letter
- Personal statement or cover letter
Tips for Documents
Are you unsure about your reference letter? Stumped by the personal statement? Review these tips for your supporting documents.
- An unofficial copy of college transcripts: We prefer candidates with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, but don’t let this be a deterrent. Each applicant is unique, and a GPA is one aspect of a passionate, multi-dimensional, talented nurse. If your GPA is lower than 3.2, show us what makes you an excellent candidate.
- Reference letter: Qualitytrumps credentials when it comes to references. Seek out leaders from your professional or educational journey who know you, your work, and your passions personally and will take the time to draft a recommendation that highlights why you are the best candidate for a position.
- Personal Statement or Cover Letter: Your cover letter or personal statement is an opportunity to supplement your resume. Use it to show us how your personal mission aligns with ours!
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I am a seasoned healthcare professional with a profound understanding of nursing education, practice, and professional development. My expertise extends to pediatric oncology nursing and evidence-based practice, making me well-versed in the crucial aspects of the St. Jude Nurse Residency Program (NRP) and its impact on new graduate nurses.
The evidence-based approach of the NRP is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the program ensures high standards in content, faculty leadership, and patient care outcomes. The focus on evidence-based practice not only speaks to the program's commitment to quality but also underscores its role in advancing the nursing profession.
The NRP's unique model, allowing new grads to join before licensure, showcases a forward-thinking strategy. The emphasis on NCLEX support, including study materials and simulation, reflects a dedication to the success of its nurse residents. The 10-month duration and the comprehensive curriculum, spanning patient care areas like inpatient, outpatient, surgical services, and ICU, demonstrate a holistic approach to professional development.
The Nurse Residency Program Match Day is a pinnacle moment, aligning nurse residents with specific units like Bone Marrow Transplant, Hematology, and Surgical Services. This strategic placement, coupled with individualized clinical orientation and mentorship, solidifies the transition from novice to competent nurse, ensuring the best care for St. Jude patients.
Morgan Melancon's presence on popular nursing podcasts like FreshRN and Nursing Uncharted provides an additional layer of credibility to the program. Her insights and discussions shed light on the innovative approaches employed in the NRP, further reinforcing its reputation.
The program's expectations for new grad nurses, including a commitment to full-time employment, adherence to policies, and upholding St. Jude Values, set a high standard for professionalism and ethical conduct.
The detailed timeline, deadlines, and application process for December 2023 and May 2024 graduates underscore the program's organizational excellence. The emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the program through on-campus residency rotations speaks to its commitment to a hands-on, immersive learning experience.
The call for documents, including transcripts, reference letters, and personal statements, with insightful tips, demonstrates the program's commitment to understanding each applicant holistically. The encouragement for candidates with a GPA lower than 3.2 to showcase their unique qualities reinforces an inclusive and individualized approach to selection.
In conclusion, the St. Jude Nurse Residency Program stands out as a beacon for new graduate nurses aspiring to make a difference in pediatric oncology. Its evidence-based foundation, experienced leadership, innovative practices, and commitment to individualized development make it a transformative opportunity for those seeking a meaningful and impactful nursing career.
