Post-baccalaureate registered nurse residency (pb-rnr) program | veterans affairs

Are you a new graduate registered nurse (RN)? The VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) is a great place to begin your career as a new graduate RN! VASDHS has two different new graduate RN

residency programs: Transition to Practice (TTP) & PB-RNR. Interested parties can learn more about the TTP program by clicking on “Related links” below or by contacting the acting TTP

program Director, [email protected] OR the RN Recruiter, [email protected]. We invite all interested and qualified BSN graduates to apply for an upcoming cohort. We recognize that

to be successful, a new graduate RN requires support in many forms. The PB-RNR program is a 12-month experience for recent BSN graduates that allows them to work as confident and experienced

RNs as they transition from student to their first professional RN role. Our highly competitive program is limited to 8 participants annually (4 in the Spring and 4 in the Fall). VASDHS

seeks new graduate registered nurses who are driven, mission-centric, compassionate, resilient, adaptable and possess practical interpersonal skills to be effective change agents. PB-RNR is

an intensive 12-month program that utilizes a four-phase curriculum to prepare the new graduate RN to transition to a competent nurse by rotating through various ambulatory,  acute care,

interdisciplinary and specialty settings. VASDHS provides residents with a robust network of preceptors, subject matter experts and other resources that have strong organizational knowledge,

as well as leadership skills. ABOUT THE PB-RNR PROGRAM * Engage in a 12-month training 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 * Rotate through a variety of

units/clinics, including Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Mental Health. * Shadow a variety of interdisciplinary and advanced-practice team members * 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 *

Nights, weekends and paid federal holidays off * Receive a stipend (aka: salary of $67,381, as of AY2025-26) over the course of the year * Accrue annual and sick leave starting from day one

* Eligible for health benefits, including medical, dental and vision * Structured mentoring opportunities * Understand the continuum of care across the entire healthcare system *

Veteran-centric learning and practice environment Note: PB-RNR nurse residents are classified as health professions trainees (HPTs) and hold temporary employment status within the VA.  As

temporary employees, Nurse Residents may not be eligible for certain benefits afforded to permanent employees, such as retirement and life insurance.  Upon completion of the year-long

residency program, there is no obligation for continued employment. 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 and transition into a permanent RN position. APPLICANT CRITERIA * Be a U.S. citizen * Have graduated within the past 12 months or be a pending graduate of a

BSN or MSN entry level program from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program * Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your nursing program * Have no prior RN work experience * Take RN

board exams 1 month PRIOR to start date * Be proficient in both spoken and written English * Pass the VA pre-employment medical exam and drug testing * Commit to completing the 1-year PB-RNR

Program * Be able to start the program on start date APPLICATION PACKET REQUIREMENTS * One page essay (500 word maximum, Times New Roman, 12-font & APA format) addressing, “Why I wish

to be selected for the VA San Diego Healthcare system PB-RNR program.” * One to two page resume (please include date & place you attended a PB-RNR presentation; special

training/education; previous work experience including paid clinical work experience; military service; volunteer experience; Student Nurse Association participation, list names of family

members who are Veterans and their relationship to you; list names of anyone you know who currently works for the VA and their relationship to you; etc.) * Official transcript with date

degree conferred and cumulative GPA greater than 3.0. If pending confirmation of degree, an unofficial transcript can be submitted initially.  Official transcripts are required upon

applicant selection. * Copy of RN license or NCLEX authorization letter with plan or testing appointment (exam must be completed at least 1-month PRIOR to anticipated start date). * Copy of

diploma OR letter from the Dean of the School of Nursing confirming anticipated graduation. * Professional Letters of Recommendation (minimum of two) * At least 2 from faculty members, one

speaking to your academic and one speaking to your clinical performance * From a supervisor/leader who can speak to your work performance (highly encouraged) * Save each document using the

following example, “Last Name_Document Name” (i.e. – Smith_Essay) * Submit each document as a separate word or PDF document * Applications must meet all requirements to be considered