Nurse Residency Program at OHSU
Start your RN career with transition-to-practice training
Launch your nursing career at OHSU through a 12-month residency program for new registered nurses (RNs). Prepare for professional nursing practice through hands-on training at Oregon's only academic health center.
Why choose nursing at OHSU?
As a nurse resident, you’ll work alongside nationally recognized physicians and nurses delivering leading-edge care in Portland and beyond. Recent graduates say the program gave them the confidence, guidance and practical skills to excel during their first year as an RN.
- Join OHSU’s missions to heal, teach and discover.
- Complete transition-to-practice training through the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program (NRP)™.
- Learn within a cohort through clinical and simulation specialty learning experiences.
- Work as a full-time RN in your specialty while you train.
- Deliver evidence-based care at our Magnet-designated hospital.
- Receive mentorship from experienced nurses and Nurse Professional Development (NPD) practitioners.
- Enjoy generous benefits, an inclusive culture, and life in Portland.
How to apply for the Nurse Residency Program
Newly licensed RNs with less than six months of nursing experience may be eligible for the OHSU Nurse Residency Program. Once hired, you’ll complete onboarding, join a residency cohort and begin your training.
Steps to apply
Review the requirements and apply for a nurse residency-eligible RN job at OHSU.
Questions?
Email nursingjobs@ohsu.edu.
Looking for more nursing careers?
Explore a variety of CNA, LPN and RN jobs at OHSU.
Meet requirements
Before starting the program, you must:
- Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
- Hold an active Oregon RN license.
- Have less than six months of paid RN experience.
Submit your application
- Search for eligible RN jobs on the OHSU jobs site.
- Review cohort start dates and licensure deadlines.
- Apply for a specialty area that interests you.
Interview
If selected, you’ll interview for open positions within your specialty.
- We consider your education, specialty area, and interview performance.
- Hiring may take up to two months.
Cohorts and curriculum
As a nurse resident, you'll provide patient care in your specialty area while building clinical expertise through hands-on learning, mentorship and professional development. Explore our training cohorts and learning experiences to find out what to expect during your residency.
Training cohorts
We offer four nurse residency cohorts each year. To participate, apply for an eligible nurse resident position through the OHSU jobs website.
Jobs open about 90 days before the cohort start date and are posted for seven days. Please check our website throughout the year for updates.
February cohort
- Start date: Feb. 1, 2027
- Oregon RN license deadline: Jan. 25, 2027
- Monthly seminars: Second Tuesday
May cohort
- Start date: May 3, 2027
- Oregon RN license deadline: April 26, 2027
- Monthly seminars: Third Tuesday
August and November cohorts
Check back for 2027 dates.
Learning experiences
As a nurse resident, you will build on your knowledge and grow as a professional nurse in your specialty. Depending on the cohort, clinical specialty areas may include:
- Adult acute care
- Adult intermediate care
- Adult oncology
- Adult critical care
- Emergency services (adult and pediatric)
- Neonatal intensive care
- Pediatric acute care
- Pediatric intermediate care
- Pediatric oncology
- Pediatric intensive care
- Perinatal services
Through preceptor-supported patient care, interactive seminars and specialty training, you will develop:
- Clinical judgment, confidence and safe nursing practice
- Communication, leadership and teamwork skills
- Evidence-based practice and lifelong learning habits
- A sense of belonging and connection to the nursing profession and OHSU
- Supportive relationships with peers and colleagues
Preceptor-supported patient care
You'll receive individualized support from trained preceptors as you provide patient care within your specialty area. Working alongside experienced nurses, you'll strengthen your clinical skills and gain confidence in your practice.
Interactive seminars
Through monthly seminars, you'll explore topics relevant to your first year as a registered nurse. These sessions provide opportunities to build professional skills, reflect on your experiences and connect with fellow nurse residents.
Specialty training
Along with monthly seminars, your training may include classroom instruction, simulation and clinical learning experiences, depending on your specialty. You'll learn from nursing mentors and clinical experts as you apply new knowledge and skills to patient care.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions or contact us at nursingjobs@ohsu.edu.
Resident applications
How do I apply?
Apply for eligible RN jobs on the OHSU jobs site. If you’re hired for an eligible position, you’ll be enrolled in the Nurse Residency Program based on the cohort start date.
When are jobs posted?
Jobs open about 90 days before the cohort start date and are posted for seven days. Visit the jobs website to find eligible RN openings.
What specialties are available?
RN specialties vary by cohorts and hiring cycles. Explore eligible RN jobs to find specialties that are hiring.
Do I need my Oregon RN license before applying?
You don’t need an Oregon RN license to apply, but you will need it a week before starting cohort training. If you don’t have your Oregon RN license by then, we may rescind your job offer.
Can I participate in the Nurse Residency Program if I have prior RN experience?
The program is designed for new graduate RNs with less than six months of paid RN experience.
Getting hired
Are residency resumes being screened by AI tools?
No. OHSU human resources team members and direct hiring managers review resumes.
Will I automatically interview and get hired if I meet the requirements?
No. Meeting the program requirements does not guarantee an interview or job offer. We consider several factors throughout the hiring process, including your qualifications, interview performance, specialty areas and available cohort openings.
Can I use AI to help me during my interview?
No. Using AI during the interview process is strictly prohibited.
Do all newly licensed RNs participate in the residency?
Yes. RNs with less than six months of RN experience hired into eligible roles at OHSU will participate in the Nurse Residency Program.
Other program details
How long is the Nurse Residency Program?
The Nurse Residency Program is 12 months.
Are nurse residency seminars required?
Yes. Nurse Residency seminars are required and held in person once a month for four hours.
Will I get paid for my nurse residency training time?
Yes. Nurse residency training is part of your paid, full-time RN role.
Is the OHSU Nurse Residency Program the same as transition-to-practice training?
The OHSU Nurse Residency Program is a type of transition-to-practice training. It is designed for newly licensed RNs with less than six months of nursing experience.
