Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program

We recognize that to be successful, a new graduate RN requires support in many forms. The PB-RNR program is a 12-month experience for recently BSN graduates that allows them to work as confident and experienced RNs as they transition from student to their first professional RN role.

Our program is limited to 10 participants and is highly competitive! VASDHS seeks new graduate registered nurses who are driven, mission-centric, compassionate, resilient, and possess practical interpersonal skills to be effective change agents. PB-RNR is an intensive 12-month program that utilizes a four-phase curriculum to prepare the new graduate RN to transition to a competent nurse by rotating through various ambulatory,  acute care, interdisciplinary and specialty settings with a robust network of resources, strong organizational knowledge, and leadership skills.

About the PB-RNR Program

• Engage in a 12-month training program that fosters a supportive learning and working environment, enabling you to perform as an experienced RN at the program’s conclusion
• Participate in supervised and precepted clinical experience, with graduated autonomy as competency is demonstrated
• Enhance clinical and leadership skills in a variety of clinical settings, gaining experience developing and growing your skills and knowledge alongside expert colleagues
• Understand the continuum of care across the entire VA health care system
• Attend biweekly didactic instruction and seminars, experiential learning opportunities and simulation exercises
• Rotate through a variety of units/clinics, including Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Mental Health.
• Shadow a variety of interdisciplinary and advanced-practice team members
• Veteran-centered practice environment to Care for Those Who Have Served Us and fulfilling the VA’s mission to ensure that Veterans receive the highest quality of care in a safe environment

Salary & Benefits

• Nights, weekends and paid federal holidays off
• Receive a stipend (aka: salary of $66,192, as of AY2023-24) over the course of the year
• Accrue annual and sick leave starting from day one
• Eligible for health benefits, including medical, dental and vision
• Structured mentoring opportunities
• Understand the continuum of care across the entire healthcare system
• Veteran-centric learning and practice environment

Note: PB-RNR nurse residents are considered health professions trainees (HPTs) and there is no commitment required for continued employment after the completion of the year-long program. After successful completion of the residency, we do hope that you will find your calling to care for Veterans within the VA San Diego Health Care System.

Application Timeframes

To Apply

Applicant Criteria

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have graduated within the past 12 months or be a pending graduate of a BSN or MSN entry level program from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your nursing program
• Have no prior RN work experience
• Take RN board exams 1 month PRIOR to start date
• Be proficient in both spoken and written English
• Pass the VA pre-employment medical exam and drug testing
• Commit to completing the 1-year PB-RNR Program
• Be able to start the program on start date

Application Packet Requirements

• One page essay (500 word maximum, Times New Roman, 12-font & APA format) addressing, “Why I wish to be selected for the VA San Diego Healthcare system PB-RNR program.”
• One to two page resume (please include date & place you attended a PB-RNR presentation; special training/education; previous work experience including paid clinical work experience; military service; volunteer experience; Student Nurse Association participation, list names of family members who are Veterans and their relationship to you; list names of anyone you know who currently works for the VA and their relationship to you; etc.)
• Official transcript with date degree conferred and cumulative GPA greater than 3.0. If pending confirmation of degree, an unofficial transcript can be submitted initially.  Official transcripts are required upon applicant selection.
• Copy of RN license or NCLEX authorization letter with plan or testing appointment (exam must be completed at least 1-month PRIOR to anticipated start date).
• Copy of diploma OR letter from the Dean of the School of Nursing confirming anticipated graduation.
• Professional Letters of Recommendation (minimum of two)
  • At least 2 from faculty members, one speaking to your academic and one speaking to your clinical performance
  • From a supervisor/leader who can speak to your work performance (highly encouraged)
  • Save each document using the following example, “Last Name_Document Name” (i.e. – Smith_Essay)
  • Submit each document as a separate word or PDF document
  • Applications must meet all requirements to be considered

Additional onboarding requirements** will be requested after an initial review of qualifications; please prepare them once you have been interviewed. These include:

• Proof of TB screening
• Proof of COVID vaccination
• Hep B vaccination or waiver
• Proof of current flu vaccination
• Proof of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination
• Proof of Varicella (Chickenpox) immunity or vaccination
• Proof of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination
• Proof of Meningococcal vaccination
• Physical exam completed by VASDHS's occupational health
• Random drug testing form
• Application for Health Professional Trainees

Submit Completed Application Packets

By Email (preferred):  

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Accreditation

The VA-San Diego Healthcare System has undergone its inaugural on-site program accreditation review by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) on March 11th to 13th, 2023.  Results are pending until approximately Fall / Winter 2024. If you have any questions about VASDHS’s accreditation, you may contact the PB-RNR Program Director.