RN New Graduate Nurse - West: Acute Care Orthopaedics

Next program start date:
May 2026 - August 2026, the New Graduate Nurse Program will offer varied start dates based on graduation and NCLEX dates.

General Program Overview:
The twelve-month UNC Health Rex Nurse Residency program supports the transition from academia to practice for new graduate nurses. The wrap‑around support from all levels of nursing is designed to assist new nurses in developing competence and confidence in the professional role. In addition to clinical orientation on the unit, the Residency program provides structured clinical and professional growth. The first component of the Residency involves engaging classroom sessions highly focused on clinical skills and issues relevant to the unit and service line of the participants.

The next component is comprised of continuing education professional development sessions, as well as completion of a group evidence‑based practice project. Additionally, within the 12‑month program, participants will complete milestones as defined by their unit and attend regular check‑ins with their unit leadership and educator.

• Increase proficiency – from novice to competent nurse
• Promote evidence‑based practice at the bedside to ensure best patient outcomes
• Develop clinical leadership skills at the point of care

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 diverse employees, whose mission is to improve the health and well‑being of the unique communities we serve.

• Named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek and Plant‑A Insights
• Named Best Hospital in WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards
• Top 100 Hospital for Stroke Care by Health grades
• Named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women by Newsweek and Plant‑A Insights
• Named one of the ‘World’s Best Hospitals 2023’ by Newsweek

New Graduate Nurse:
Graduation from school of professional nursing, licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of North Carolina by the day of clinical care, Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification.

What is defined as a new graduate nurse? Nursing student in their final semester of nursing program or;
Nursing graduate within 12 months of graduation; and RN who has worked less than 6 months as a registered nurse.

* This position qualifies for our UNC Rex Incentive Program, up to $25,000 tuition loan forgiven or $10,000 Commitment Incentive. In addition, this position is also eligible for up to $5,000 in relocation assistance (based on location).*

UNC Rex 6 West is a 30‑bed medical‑surgical unit that specializes in the care of the orthopedic patient. Our nurses provide exceptional post‑surgical care to patients recovering from various orthopedic procedures and injuries in our fast‑paced environment. Common surgical procedures include joint replacement, total joint revision, various fracture repair procedures, and wound management. The UNC Rex Healthcare orthopedic program has been nationally recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review and U.S. News & World Report Hospitals Ranking.

Our Hip and Knee Replacement Program is officially certified by the Joint Commission.

Summary:

Provides competent clinical nursing care consistent with professional standards. Reporting and accountable to the Nurse Manager/Director, the Clinical Nurse is responsible for coordinating and delivering patient care utilizing the nursing process in a hospital setting.