The reason I chose Harborview’s residency program is because I felt the camaraderie and the stability. It is a place where we can have an intense trauma unit, but there are enough people around me that care about the same type of patients that I care about. We work together to make a difference. I felt like this was the type of place that was going to make that happen.
Nurse Residency Program and Transition Accreditation Programs
UW Medicine trains the next generation of highly skilled nurses through the Vizient American Association of Colleges of Nursing Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP) at Harborview Medical Center and the Practice Transition Accreditation Program at UW Medical Center – Montlake.
Nurse Residency Program and Transition Accreditation Programs
UW Medicine trains the next generation of highly skilled nurses through the Vizient American Association of Colleges of Nursing Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP) at Harborview Medical Center and the Practice Transition Accreditation Program at UW Medical Center – Montlake.
Seattle Nursing Residency Programs
The UW Medicine Nursing Residency and Practice Transition Accreditation Programs prepare newly graduated nurses for successful careers as registered nurses through clinical preceptorships, classroom and hands-on training, and specialty-specific learning opportunities, where residents build the critical thinking and clinical skills needed to bring evidence-based patient-centered care. Throughout the program, experienced in-unit nurses and nursing leaders serve as mentors, providing guidance, support, and encouragement as residents transition into confident, skilled members of the healthcare team.
Harborview Medical Center - Nurse Residency Program
Harborview’s Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP) supports and nurtures new nurse graduates as they transition into their first professional role at Harborview Medical Center
Program requirements:
- Hold an associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing science from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) within the last 12 month
- Passed NCLEX
- Be a nurse for less than six months
UW Medical Center, Montlake - Practice Transition Accreditation Program
While Practice Transitional Accreditation Program is a global standard for residency/transition to practice program, our program is uniquely designed for UWMC.
Through the PTAP program, ANCC accredits the following types of transition programs:
- RN Residencies — For nurses with less than 12 months' experience
- RN New to Specialty or Transition to Practice - For experienced nurses to master new clinical skills
Learn more about the Practice Transition Accreditation Program
Launch your RN career with UW Medicine
Learn with the best
Harborview and Montlake are Magnet-recognized hospitals. At our teaching medical center, you have the opportunity to train side by side with clinical nurse specialists across all care areas. Additionally, our advisory board — composed of hospital nursing leadership, human resources, unit managers, UW School of Nursing leaders, educators and facilitators — regularly updates our curriculum based on leading-edge research and best practices. As a Harborview or Montlake nurse resident, you have access to in-person and online resources that strengthen your skills and enhance your journey at UW Medicine.
What will I learn during the UW Medicine nursing residency program?
Our comprehensive year-long residency program is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (ANCC PTAP). We emphasize clinical skills, leadership, patient safety outcomes and professional development. You’ll complete extensive clinical preceptorships based on the Tiered Skills Acquisition Model (TSAM). Through classroom instruction and monthly seminars, you learn about ethical decision-making, evidence-based practices and stress management. Our nurse leaders provide hands-on training across service lines. You’ll also receive detailed instruction on patient documentation and specialty areas, such as critical care, emergency response and oncology. Through our residencies (available at UW Medical Center - Montlake), you explore the resources and patient-centered care we provide to all patients.
Frequently asked questions
What are the deadlines for applying for the nursing residency program?
Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center hire continually for most Acute Care units. For specialized units, we offer a variety of cohort start dates based on overall hiring need, usually 3 to 4 times a year.
How many hours per week do residents work?
At UW Medicine, our nurse residents are full-time employees. We hire residents at 90-100% FTE (full-time equivalent). This equals 72-80 hours per two-week pay period.
When do I attend Nurse Residency Program (NRP) seminars?
As part of your transition to practice, we offer eight hours of seminar instruction each month. In addition, we offer a series of classes throughout the year to expand your knowledge and training.
Am I obligated to stay at UW Medicine after completing my residency?
While you are not obligated to stay past your residency, we hope that you will want to join UW Medicine for an extended period of time to use the skills you have learned on the unit you completed your residency.
How long is the program?
Our Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center residency programs are 12 months long.
What Our Residents Say
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Fiona
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Jordan
One of my favorite parts of the residency program was meeting my colleagues. We work on a very hard unit and the things that bond us together are not just our work, our workload, and our compassion for patients, but also the compassion we have for each other. We always look out for each other and help each other. I really love all my co-workers.
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Kiernan
I chose Harborview’s Nurse Residency Program because it nurtured me through the process of being a mental health specialist all the way through nursing school. I am thankful to have the opportunity to get so much great information through the Nursing Residency Program that has equipped me with the ability now to move forward in my career.