Nurse Residency Program
Gain hands-on experience through classroom learning, simulation labs and clinical practice, all in a nurturing environment with a 3-to-1 resident-to-coach ratio.
Eligibility Requirements
Nurse Residency Program FAQs
What will my schedule look like?
- Months 1 to 6. Four hours of education each week, plus three 12-hour clinical shifts.
- Months 7 to 12. Four hours of education each month, with a schedule that mirrors the hospice team you will join. Plus, ongoing support and mentorship.
Am I guaranteed a job when I finish the residency?
Yes. After you successfully complete the program, you will work with the Talent Acquisition team to transition into an open position within the organization.
What are the different areas of hospice care?
You will gain experience across a variety of hospice settings, including:
- General inpatient units
- Caring for patients in their homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Long-term care
- Triage
- Admissions
- Crisis care
Where would I provide care to hospice patients?
Wherever our patients call home, whether that is a private residence, a long-term care facility, a hospital or one of our hospice inpatient units.
Do I need medical/surgical experience before applying?
No. Medical/surgical experience is not required. Our curriculum is designed to teach you everything you need, with hands-on support in clinical environments, skills labs and simulation training.
Where does the residency training take place?
Training takes place at Suncoast Hospice sites in Pinellas County and Tidewell Hospice sites in Manatee and Sarasota counties Trustbridge Hospice sites in Palm Beach County.
When should I apply?
You can apply before you graduate from an accredited nursing program, or after graduating if you have less than one year of experience as a registered nurse.
When are applications accepted?
Applications and interviews are accepted year-round.
Who leads the Nurse Residency Program?
Anita Smith, MSN, RN, is the Director of Nurse Residency and Academic Partnerships at Empath Health. With more than 35 years of nursing experience and more than 20 years as a nursing professor, Anita is passionate about mentoring new nurses. She holds dual master's degrees in nursing education and administration and has published in the Journal of Trauma Nursing. Anita leads a team of educators committed to supporting your transition into hospice nursing with best practice standards, real-world learning and ongoing encouragement. Visit the simulation lab page.
