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Frequently Asked Questions about the RN Residency

How many hours per week do the RN residents work?

This is a full-time position that requires 72 hours per two-week pay period for the full 20 weeks; however, there may be times where the residents will work up to 80 hours during the pay period. Number of days per week varies depending on the number of Residency Classes, as well as unit-based class days.

When are the residency class days?

There are a total of 18 residency class days throughout the 20-week program. There are four class days per month; typically the classes are every other Thursday and Friday. Each class day is 6.5 hours long (included in that time is a 30-minute unpaid lunch). Each resident is expected to attend every residency class.

What types of classes do the residents attend?

The residency curriculum is developed so that it is applicable to all Rady Children's RN residents, regardless of their sub-specialty. Therefore, all RN residents attend the classes together. The blended-learning curriculum is designed to enhance the general pediatric knowledge base of the residents and is specific to nursing practice at Rady Children's. The curriculum includes computer-based learning modules, lecture presentations, case studies, hands-on activities, small group discussions and team-building workshops. Residents also participate in mentoring and debriefing sessions during class days. Residents attend unit-based core classes at the discretion of the departments to which they are hired.

Are the RN residents required to work nights, weekends and holidays?

All residents follow their preceptors' schedules and will therefore work some weekends. Each unit provides a unique educational experience that involves rotating between days and nights while on orientation. There is no holiday requirement while the residents are on orientation. The residents' schedules are provided by the unit to which they are hired.

Are the RN residents eligible for vacation?

The residents are expected to attend every class day. They are also expected to follow their preceptors' schedules. Therefore, any long weekend vacations must be scheduled around class days, as well as the schedules that are provided to them by their departments. Flexibility of the RN residents is very important. The leadership and management team will assist the residents as best as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs.

The RN residents are eligible to request extended vacations once the 20-week orientation period has concluded and once they have accrued an adequate amount of paid leave time to cover their time off.

Once the residents complete the program, what shift will they be working?

The residents will continue working full-time (72-hours per pay period). Their specific schedules depend on the individual units to which they are hired. It is recommended that the interviewee discuss this, as well as weekend and holiday requirements, with the departments with whom they are interviewing. All clinical shifts are 12 hours.