RN Residency & Transition Program
Cape Cod Healthcare offers a Nurse RN Residency and Transition Program designed to support nurses as they build or transition into acute care practice. This structured program provides a strong foundation in inpatient nursing, with opportunities to explore future specialty training in areas such as the operating room, emergency department, critical care and maternity. With start dates offered throughout the year, the program allows registered nurses to begin their acute care journey with confidence by providing guidance and support in the first six months of their acute care career.
Your Training Journey
- 28-week training program
- 12-week preceptorship plus a 16-week group education project
- Week 1: New Hire Orientation and Clinical Education onboarding
- Weeks 2-12: Preceptorship
Example of your schedule for Weeks 2 to 12:
- Weeks 2-8: Day Shift with Preceptor, Classroom Training, Patient Care Observation, Preceptorship on Nursing Unit Floors
- Weeks 9-12: Hired Shift with Preceptor
- Weeks 13-28: Evidence-Based Team Project culminating with a presentation at Nursing Grand Rounds.
- After successful completion of this program, you will have the skills, knowledge and continued support of our education and management teams to embark on your nursing career.
Our Program is a Perfect Fit for Nurses Who ...
- Recent nurse graduates with a degree in nursing and an active BLS certification.
- Licensed nurses who are new to acute care, including those transitioning from skilled nursing, outpatient or other non-inpatient settings.
- Nurses able to work a full-time schedule, as this structured training program requires consistent participation to support skill development.
- Nurses who can work nights and weekends during the program and beyond
- Nurses with a strong interest in professional growth and developing advanced clinical skills.
- Team-oriented nurses who are eager to learn, collaborate and engage in evidence-based practice.
Don’t Have Your License Yet? That is OK!
We offer an opportunity for you to start your RN career with us, on one of our dedicated start dates, while you schedule your NCLEX and obtain your license. To qualify for this position, you must meet the following:
- Graduate from a School of Nursing with your Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
- Plan to schedule your NCLEX exam within 30 days of your start date
- Must obtain MA RN license within 60 days of starting with us
From here, you can begin your nursing career with us and transition into the nurse residency & transition program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our RN Residency Program
Is this RN Residency Program only for new graduates?
Not at all. Our RN Residency Program welcomes both new graduates and nurses transitioning from other care settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home care, dialysis and more.
When should I apply?
Each cohort is posted based on our current hiring timeline. Please review the job posting for the cohort month that is actively accepting applications.
I saw in the job posting that I must pass the CCHC Pharmacology test. Do I take this during the interview?
Typically, yes. Most candidates complete the pharmacology test on the same day as their interview. If you would prefer to take it on a different day beforehand, we are happy to accommodate when possible. We also provide a study guide.
The job posting requires BLS certification, but mine has expired. Do I need it before starting?
Yes, an active BLS certification is required prior to your start date. We do offer free BLS classes for incoming team members—just let us know if you need to register.
Should I include a resume or cover letter with my application?
Yes. Including a resume and cover letter is strongly encouraged, as it gives hiring managers additional information about your background and interests.
When are interviews scheduled?
After you apply, a recruiter will contact you to schedule an interview and pharmacology test at a time that works for you and the hiring team.
Who will I interview with?
You will meet with a panel of nurse managers. The interview helps us learn more about you, your interests, and which unit may be the best fit for your career goals.
What if I am interested in a specialty area such as the Emergency Department or Critical Care?
We encourage you to discuss your interests with your recruiter. Specialty RN Residency opportunities vary based on organizational needs. If openings are available, we will gladly discuss your candidacy. Please know that many specialty openings are filled by internal applicants.
If I do not enter a specialty residency program right away, when could I transfer after working on a Medical-Surgical unit?
Our hospitals typically require at least one year of Medical-Surgical experience before transferring into a specialty department. Having this time on the unit provides you a solid nursing foundation that will be useful in your specialty career.
When will I know if I am being offered a position?
Your recruiter will provide a hiring timeline. We aim to notify candidates within approximately one week of their interview.
How is the unit I am offered selected?
Unit placement is discussed during the panel interview, based on your interests, experience, and the department's needs. Be yourself and share your goals openly.
Does it help if I currently work at Cape Cod Hospital or Falmouth Hospital, or previously held a summer temp position?
Yes. Prior experience at Cape Cod Healthcare can be beneficial, as it provides familiarity with our teams, culture, and patient care environment.
What are this year’s cohort dates?
Please see the cohort schedule below.
Upcoming Cohorts – Choose Your Path:
Whether you’re graduating soon or planning ahead, now is the perfect time to start your journey with us!
2026 Start Dates:
- January 26 – Start the new year with purpose!
- April 27 – Spring into your nursing career.
- July 20 – A summer start for a strong future.
- September 14 – Make this fall your turning point.
2027 Start Dates – for those planning ahead already!
- January 25, 2027
- April 26, 2027
- July 19, 2027
- September 13, 2027
Start strong. Stay supported. Succeed at CCHC. Your future starts with one of these dates!
