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Weekend Nurse Residency Program Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RN Nurse Residency

Johnston, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ChildServe's RN Nurse Residency program is a great way to build confidence in both your clinical ... rotating weekends and holidays * Benefit eligible , including medical, dental, vision plans ...

Showing results 21-40

Weekend Nurse Residency Program information

See Iowa salary details

$27.2K

$84.3K

$123K

How much do weekend nurse residency program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend nurse residency program in Iowa is $84,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend nurse residency program?

A Weekend Nurse Residency Program is a structured training and support program designed for newly graduated nurses who work primarily on weekends. These programs offer hands-on clinical experience, mentorship, and classroom instruction to help new nurses transition smoothly from school to professional practice. Participants typically work weekend shifts while receiving the guidance and resources needed to develop their clinical skills and confidence. The goal is to ensure patient safety and nurse retention by providing comprehensive support during the early stages of a nursing career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend nurse residency program participant?

To thrive in a Weekend Nurse Residency Program, you need a recent nursing degree, RN licensure, and foundational clinical skills in patient care and assessment. Training typically involves hands-on experience with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and hospital protocols under supervision. Strong time management, adaptability, and effective communication make residents stand out as they transition from student to practicing nurse. These skills and qualities are crucial for building confidence and competence in high-pressure weekend shifts, ensuring patient safety and professional growth.

What unique challenges and benefits can I expect as a participant in a weekend nurse residency program?

As a Weekend Nurse Resident, you'll likely manage a diverse patient load during high-acuity weekend shifts, which can present unique learning opportunities and challenges compared to traditional weekday programs. You may experience greater exposure to critical situations, but also benefit from closer mentorship and smaller weekend teams. This structure helps you build confidence and clinical skills quickly while maintaining a work-life balance during weekdays. Collaboration with other weekend staff fosters strong team dynamics, and successful completion of the program can position you for rapid advancement or transition into specialized nursing roles.

What is the difference between Weekend Nurse Residency Program vs Weekend Nurse Practitioner?

AspectWeekend Nurse Residency ProgramWeekend Nurse Practitioner
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly BSNMaster's or Doctoral degree in Nursing, RN license, NP certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities during weekendsPrimary care clinics, specialty practices, hospitals during weekends
PurposeTransition from student to professional nurse, skill developmentProvide advanced patient care, diagnose, prescribe treatments

The Weekend Nurse Residency Program focuses on onboarding and developing new RNs during weekends, emphasizing skill-building. In contrast, Weekend Nurse Practitioners are experienced nurses with advanced degrees providing direct patient care and clinical services during weekends. Both roles operate in healthcare settings but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and career stage.

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Nurse Residency Program jobs in Iowa?

For Weekend Nurse Residency Program jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Nurse Residency Program jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Nurse Residency Program jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Weekend Nurse Residency Program jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Weekend Nurse Residency Program job openings:

Infographic showing various Weekend Nurse Residency Program job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,284 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse Residency (New Grad)

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Registered Nurse Residency- General Application

Shift: Varied per department - Full Time 

Now Offering a Limited-Time $20,000 RN Sign-On Bonus!UnityPoint Health – Des Moines is offering a $20,000 sign-on bonus for full-time eligible RNs (Including Residents) hired or offered into acute inpatient roles between April 1 and October 31, 2026, paid in milestone-based installments.

Relocation Assistance: Up to $10,000 for full-time offers when relocating more than 50 miles.

Nurse Residency Program

  • Dedicated to help new nurses (with less than 12 months of acute RN experience) transition into professional practice through peer support, education, and professional development.
  • Participation in the program occurs as a part of the regular work assignment. You will get paid to learn and grow into your practice, giving you the confidence you need to be successful.
  • Regularly scheduled classes allow for nurse residents to build peer support and discuss share experiences.
  • Work with a qualified preceptor, mentor, and educators for ongoing support and guidance.
  • Immersion into nursing practice with experiences and seminars with key professional leaders.
  • Cohorts begin throughout the year. You will be placed in a cohort once your start date has been confirmed and onboarding is completed.

Clinical Tracks

  • Clinical tracks may include Telemetry, ICU, Adult Med/Surg, Emergency, NICU, Maternity Services, Behavioral Health, Pediatrics, PICU, Surgical Services, and Rehab.
  • Please note that not all tracks hire every cohort, and some areas may have limited positions.
Why UnityPoint Health?

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. 

Responsibilities

Applications are accepted year round, but we encourage you to apply during your last semester of nursing school. Start dates are dependent on licensure, onboarding, unit availability as well as your personal preference.

All newly licensed RNs and RNs with less than 12 months of acute RN experience at the time of application are required to participate in the RN Residency program. 

How to Apply:

All candidates, including current staff, should apply by completing an online application for the Nurse Residency Position.

Reminder: Items needed to complete your application are:

  • Online Application to Nurse Residency Position.
  • Resume 

Responsibilities: Successfully functions as a Registered Nurse as defined in Iowa Nursing Regulations and Practice Act. Provides nursing care for patients and families and maintains a practice environment that reflects the ANA Code for Nurses, Philosophy of Nursing at UnityPoint Health-Des Moines within the structure of the Professional Nurse Practice Model and in collaboration with other care givers. 

For more information about the program and specific details please go to https://www.unitypoint.org/desmoines/nurse-residency-program.aspx or if you have questions specific to your application or documents, please contact the Nurse Residency Program at 515-241-6864

Qualifications

Education:

  • Graduate of accredited nursing program.

License(s)/Certification(s):

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

Experience:

  • Newly licensed nurse or less than 12 months acute RN experience.

Other: 

  • Level 3 Medium Work:  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Completion of residency program within the first 12 months of employment.

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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