Nurse residency programs

The VA Post-Baccalaureate RN Residency Program is more than a job, it’s a launchpad for a meaningful nursing career. By combining structured education, hands-on mentorship, and opportunities to serve Veterans, the program sets new graduate nurses up for long-term success and professional satisfaction. Join the VA RN Residency Program and begin your journey of learning, growing, and serving those who have served.

Start Your Nursing Career with Purpose at VA Ann Arbor

VA Post-Baccalaureate RN Residency (PB-RNR) Program

The transition from student to professional nurse can be both exciting and challenging. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is committed to supporting new graduates through this critical phase with our Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency (PB-RNR) Program.

This paid, year-long residency provides newly licensed registered nurses with a structured, supportive path into professional nursing. Through a combination of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to deliver high-quality, Veteran-centered care.

A Comprehensive Experience

The PB-RNR program bridges the gap between academic preparation and professional practice through a balanced curriculum of didactic education and precepted clinical experiences:

Classroom Learning: Interactive sessions, case studies, and evidence-based practice workshops to reinforce clinical knowledge and critical thinking.
Clinical Mentorship: Each resident is paired with an experienced VA nurse preceptor for one-on-one guidance and real-world training across diverse patient care settings. This combination ensures residents not only understand the theory behind nursing practice but also apply it confidently at the bedside.

Joining the VA RN Residency Program offers more than clinical experience, it’s a career-defining opportunity:

Professional Development: Build advanced clinical skills, leadership experience, and a foundation for long-term career growth.
Supportive Mentorship: Work closely with experienced VA nurses who provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement throughout the program.
Meaningful Impact: Serve the unique healthcare needs of Veterans, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our nation.

Program Structure & Cohort Start

Duration: 12 months, full-time commitment
Start Date: August 2026 (anticipated)
Residents rotate through multiple clinical units under the guidance of preceptors while participating in scheduled didactic sessions.

Benefits of the Program

Competitive pay-12-month stipend
100% protected time (not part of the staffing matrix)
Opportunity to enroll in Federal Health Benefits Programs
13 days of Annual Leave, 13 days of Sick Leave – 4 hours of each, every two weeks
beginning on day one
Valuable experience developing and growing your RN skills alongside expert
colleagues
No night, weekend, or holiday shifts
Structured mentoring opportunities
Exposure to a variety of clinical settings
Veteran-centered practice environment dedicated to Caring for Those Who Have
Served

Note: Nurse residents are considered trainees, and there is no guarantee of employment
after program completion. However, many graduates choose to continue their careers
within the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of program start:

Graduation from an accredited BSN or MSN (entry-level) program (CCNE or ACEN)
Newly licensed RN or license eligible (with no prior RN experience)
Eligible for unrestricted U.S. RN licensure prior to program start
U.S. citizenship (required for federal employment)
Ability to meet VA employment requirements, including background investigation
and pre-employment physical
Commitment to full-time participation for the duration of the residency program

Application Process

Deadline: mid-March
To receive an application packet, contact Angela.Morgan1@va.gov
Early submission is recommended as spaces are limited and
competitive.