New Graduate Nurse Residency Program

The mission of Mercy's nurse residency program is to provide a supportive work environment for effective clinical practice and job satisfaction of the new graduate nurse. The 12-month residency program is a series of learning and work experiences designed to facilitate the transition from the student role into the first professional direct-care provider role.

This extended orientation mentor period allows new graduates to transition from an entry level, advanced beginner nurse to a competent professional nurse. As a result of the program, nurses are supported as they develop effective decision-making skills related to clinical judgment and performance, provide clinical leadership at the point of patient care, and incorporate research-based evidence into practice.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program. Find more information here.  

"As a new graduate it was important for me to find a place of employment that was focused on my continued learning and growth as a nurse. Mercy's New Graduate Residency Program offers training through skills labs, online learning, discussion groups and clinicals. These are exactly the support and resources I need to become an integral part to the Mercy nursing team."
- Andrea, University of Iowa graduate, '08

The goals of the residency program are to:

Build new graduate competence

Through monthly group discussion and educational seminars, we focus on helping new graduates learn from their experiences and the experiences of their classmates. We review real-life situations and provide instruction on how to incorporate strategies for improving critical thinking rooted in evidence-based care, and provide training on relevant clinical and evidence-based topics.

Create an emotional support network of new graduates

Having the opportunity to network with cohorts on a regular basis provides a support network with other nurses beginning their careers at Mercy.

Promote professional involvement and career guidance

The residency program works to develop competencies in specific areas useful for a career in health care, including clinical knowledge, communication, critical thinking, professionalism and technical skills. Mercy's program also includes a dedicated residency coordinator acting as a new graduates' key resource during the 12-month residency.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the residency program, the new graduate nurse must be a recent graduate (of up to one year after graduation) with a degree from an accredited ADN or BSN program, have an RN license no later than one month after starting at Mercy, and be willing to commit to the one-year residency program requirement followed by one year of employment. Residents must work full-time and actively participate in all general and specialized learning experiences. Positions are available in all areas based on current and projected staffing needs.

New graduate nurses will be admitted into the residency program upon acceptance of a position at Mercy. The program has two start dates each year, one in February and one in July. Nurses will begin the residency program with the next start date after they begin employment.