Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency (PB-RNR) Program

Next Cohort begins: August 2024

Apply by July 15, 2024

PB-RNR Purpose

The purpose of the PBRNR program is to: 

1. Improve new graduate RNs' overall competency and confidence in practice within the VA health care setting. 
2. Improve new graduate RNs' knowledge and skills related to veteran care. 
3. Improve VA recruitment and retention of new graduate RNs. 
4. Identify challenges and recommendations for ongoing program improvement.  

PB-RNR Mission

“To develop competent, confident, practice-ready registered nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to address the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. The VAMHCS PBRNR program aims to emerge as the preferred practice transition pathway for newly licensed registered nurses by providing continuous development opportunities and advancing nursing science. ”

PB-RNR Vision & Philosophy 

To foster excellence among newly licensed registered nurses while providing compassionate and ethical care to our nation’s Veterans.

About the PB-RNR Program

VA Maryland Healthcare System (VAMHCS) nurse residents have 100% protected training time and are not counted in staffing matrices. The training model provides profession and resident-specific rotations through various clinical settings and specialty areas, following the standard for health profession education. The rigorous, 12-month program follows OAA’s comprehensive, Veteran-centric, and competency-based curriculum, which includes leveled experiential and didactic learning activities.  

The VAMHCS nurse residency program is highly competitive and seeks compassionate and resilient registered nurses who are mission-ready with strong interpersonal skills. For their service, nurse residents will receive:

• Per annum stipend rate of $66,433
• Health insurance
• Accrual of annual and sick leave
• Access to the VA trainee recruitment event (VA-TRE). This Stay in the VA event:
  • Connects trainees with VA Facilities across the nation
  • Matches residents to sites that are a good fit
  • Provides a pathway to retain trainees in the VA system
• NOTE: residents/trainees are not eligible for weekend/off-shift/holiday differential while in the PB-RNR program.

Eligibility Requirements 

For program consideration, applicants MUST meet the eligibility requirements listed below.

• Be a US Citizen.
• Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN: Entry-Level) degree from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited nursing program.
• Have graduated less than one year before the program start date, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Maintain a current, unrestricted RN license (by program start date).
• Speak and write English proficiently.
• Pass the VA pre-employment medical exam and drug testing.
• Has no prior experience as a registered nurse (RN).

How to Apply

To apply to the VA Maryland Healthcare System PB-RNR program you will need the following:

1. Cover letter to include your interest in the residency program
2. Resume not to exceed two pages
3. VA application form 10-2850D (Application for Health Trainees)  
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation written on official letterhead
   • from a nursing school faculty
   • from a clinical faculty or
   • from a current or previous work manager
5. School transcripts (may be unofficial)
6. Form DD 214 if you are a Veteran

Contact for more information:

Rodnita K. Davis, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE 
Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency (PB-RNR) Program Manager 

Phone:  
Rodnita.Davis@va.gov