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Nursing Residency Programs Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Overview RN Nurse Residency Program for Home Care UnityPoint at Home Quad Cities (50 mile radius-mileage reimbursement) 8am-5pm Monday through Friday $10K Sign On Bonus for external hires UnityPoint ...

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Nursing Residency Programs information

What are nursing residency programs?

Nursing residency programs are structured transition programs designed to support newly graduated nurses as they move from academia into professional clinical practice. These programs typically last from several months to a year and provide mentorship, additional training, and hands-on experience in a hospital or clinical setting. The goal is to help new nurses build confidence, improve clinical skills, and adapt to the fast-paced healthcare environment. Participation in a residency program can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates among nurses.

What can new nurses expect from the mentorship and support structure in a nursing residency program?

Nursing residency programs typically provide new nurses with dedicated preceptors, regular feedback sessions, and peer support groups to ease the transition from student to practicing nurse. Residents often work closely with experienced nurses who guide them through clinical procedures, documentation, and patient communication. This structure helps new nurses build confidence, refine their skills, and adapt to the fast-paced hospital environment. Additionally, many programs offer classroom learning and simulation labs to reinforce clinical knowledge, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for a successful nursing career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in nursing residency programs, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nursing Residency Programs, you need a BSN or ADN degree, an active RN license, and foundational clinical skills in patient care and assessment. Familiarity with electronic health records, hospital protocols, and common clinical equipment is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial for integrating into new healthcare environments and supporting collaborative care. These skills and qualifications are essential for building confidence, competence, and safe nursing practice as you transition from student to professional nurse.

What is the difference between Nursing Residency Programs vs Registered Nurse (RN)?

AspectNursing Residency ProgramsRegistered Nurse (RN)
CredentialsTypically require a valid RN license; may include additional certificationsMust hold an active RN license
Work EnvironmentStructured training in hospitals or healthcare facilities, often in specific unitsVaries across settings like hospitals, clinics, long-term care
PurposeTo transition new nurses into clinical practice with mentorship and specialized trainingTo provide patient care independently or as part of a healthcare team

In summary, Nursing Residency Programs are specialized training initiatives designed to support new nurses' transition into practice, whereas Registered Nurses (RNs) are licensed professionals providing direct patient care across various healthcare settings.

What are popular job titles related to Nursing Residency Programs jobs in Iowa?

For Nursing Residency Programs jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nursing Residency Programs jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Nursing Residency Programs jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Nursing Residency Programs jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Nursing Residency Programs job openings:

Infographic showing various Nursing Residency Programs job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

RN Nurse Residency Program Manager

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The RN Nurse Residency Program Manager is responsible for directing and coordinating program activities for the market's Nurse Residency Program. This Program Manager is based in the hospital, is an experienced, competent nursing professional and is engaged in the delivery and/or oversight of educational programs within the institution. They should be in a position to integrate the Nurse Residency Program into existing institutional strategies for nurse graduate recruitment and retention. The candidate should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrated abilities in program development in a prior nursing role.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Provide oversight for hospital nurse Residency Program, supervising scheduling and program communications
  • Ensures the RN Resident learning needs are met.
  • Oversees the orientation and training of individuals who operationalize individualized components of the overall Residency Program.
  • Provide directions and guidance for the assessment, implementation and evaluation of Nurse Residency Seminar and individual Clinical Orientation Track curriculums
  • Secures necessary fiscal, material, and personnel resources to support the functioning of the program.
  • Work with human resources department to recruit potential baccalaureate and higher entry-level nursing graduates and monitor trend data connected to retention of Nurse Residents.
  • Work with human resources on grant applications and apprenticeship designation.
  • Work with stakeholders related to hiring practices related to Nurse Residents.
  • Identify and assign resident facilitators and provide ongoing support, communication and program materials
  • Facilitate program data collection and outcomes tracking as appropriate
  • Ensures executive nurse leader support for the RN Residency and maintains/facilitates the RN Residency Steering Group.
  • Oversees the accreditation process for the Nurse Residency Program.
  • Assists with formation of nursing policy and procedures.

Education:

  • MSN from nationally accredited program.

License(s)/Certification(s):

  • Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in Iowa 

Experience:

  • Five or more years of medical surgical, intensive care or specialty nursing experience in an acute care setting.
  • Experience teaching in both an academic and informal setting.

Other: 

  • Level 2 Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  Requires walking or standing to a significant degree, pushing or pulling arm or leg controls or maintaining a production rate pace.  Light work requires physical exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work.

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995