I am moving from out of state. How long in advance can I apply to get an offer and get a Colorado license?
- We accept applications as many as 120 days before you plan to take the NCLEX.
- Visit the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for information about applying for a Colorado Nursing license or updating your primary state of residence if you have a multi-state license: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Applications
I am new to Colorado. Is there any information you can provide me about the city?
Colorado is a beautiful state! The last page of the Nursing Student Toolkit has information about moving to Denver.
Is relocation offered for out-of-state candidates?
We do not offer relocation assistance for new graduates.
Is it a difficult transition for people coming from out of state?
Not at all. As a member of the Nursing Compact, having a multistate Compact license enables you to start working immediately upon relocation. On average, 40% of cohort members come from out of state, so this is a very common transition.
Does Denver Health offer housing assistance to relocating new grads?
We do not offer housing assistance. If interested, speak with your hiring manager about connecting with fellow new grads on your unit, or others, who may be interested in a roommate.
When does the next cohort begin?
Cohorts start every March, August, and November. Unlike many hospitals, we do not require you to have the same start date as your cohort peers. You can begin working right after you are licensed and join the next available cohort. Please apply when you get within 120 days of taking the NCLEX; you and your recruiter will decide on the best date to start.
What steps should I follow to apply for the New Graduate Residency Program at Denver Health?
- Apply here for our Nurse Residency.
- If it’s Preop/PACU or ED you want, visit our job board and type “New Grad” in the title search. Apply to the “RN New Graduate Residency Program” posting. (Preop/PACU or ED results will appear separately if we are hiring in those units).
- Click “apply”
- You will create an account that will save your info for future applications
What can I do if I get a "not selected" status on my application?
You are always welcome to re-apply to the Nurse Residency or any other open positions.
Are Nurse Residents hired to a specific unit or into a general role?
At Denver Health you will be hired into a specific “home” unit, not just a cohort. Your initial competency training and assessments will take place on your home unit.
How many new graduates are in each cohort?
The Nurse Residency Program at Denver Health began in 2011. The average class size is 23, but we’ve had as few as 10 and as many as 49.
Does Denver Health require a 2-year commitment agreement?
There was a 2-year commitment associated with our New Graduate program that was suspended with the August Cohort starting in 2022. Also, our policy allows for inter-departmental transfers after 12 months of employment.
Are there any opportunities for me to visit, tour, and meet with a staff member about potentially working here?
Opportunities to tour may be a possibility during the final interview stages with the unit you are in discussion with, but this varies from unit to unit.
Are recommendation letters required?
Feel free to upload any supporting recommendation letters as an attachment to your application, but it is not required. We utilize a vendor to complete electronic reference surveys as part of our selection process.
What does the residency program entail?
12 months of monthly, paid 3-hour classes on a variety of subjects. Goals of the residency program are to promote critical thinking and professional development along with peer support. Skill practice and initial competency will be completed on your unit of hire through 1:1 precepting.
Are there patient caps in your hospital protecting nurses from unsafe patient loads?
The Nurse Staffing Committee oversees the development and any changes to our annual staffing plans and on a monthly basis. Our master nurse staffing plan is posted here.
What kind of charting system does Denver Health use?
Denver Health uses EPIC.
Do you do training for new grads in critical care?
We provide specific training for a limited number of new grads in critical care. The new grad RNs in Critical Care receive 12 weeks of orientation. In addition to the New Grad classes, we have all RNs new to critical care, including new grads, complete 75 hours of ECCO (essentials of critical care orientation) modules as well as attend 5 ECCO classes that address specific care we provide to ICU patients. We also have the N.I.C.E Nurse (New to the Intensive Care Environment) program for which we staff an experienced ICU RN as a N.I.C.E. RN, to be a resource for new ICU RNs their first 6 weeks off orientation.
What does Denver Health have in place to promote nurse resilience and decrease nurse burnout?
- Everyone who works at Denver Health has access to our Employee Assistance Program. Every year, the program provides up to five free counseling sessions for staff members and up to five free counseling sessions for each of their immediate family members. Sessions can be via text, phone, video or in person.
- Trained responders from our Denver Health program “Resilience and Equity through Support and Training for Organizational Renewal” (RESTORE) are available 24/7 to provide immediate peer-to-peer support for all Denver Health personnel. RESTORE also provides a calm space in the hospital for self-care, reflection and emotional support. “RESTORE 2 You” takes support directly to work areas, units and clinics. Drop-in Group support and Team-specific Group Support are also available.
- Worklife Navigators provide support and information on local and community resources for Denver Health staff. They can help guide you to emotional, physical, and financial well-being resources.
- You can click on a desktop icon from any Denver Health computer to access resources within Denver Health and outside of the organization. You can use the myStrength’s app or website to support your goals and well-being. It has tools that can help you overcome the challenges you face and stay mentally strong. And it’s all safe, secure and personalized just for you.
I am a Denver Health Employee. What process should I follow to apply?
Please apply to the Nurse Residency job posting as an internal applicant via the employee portal.
What does Denver Health look for when making hiring decisions?
We want people who believe in our mission and work well together in an interdisciplinary setting. When you are hired to a specific unit, you get to choose the environment that you would like to work in. Successful applications must, at a minimum, meet the job description requirements.
What would the schedule be like if I get accepted to the program?
Since you are hired to a specific unit, schedules can vary widely. You will start in orientation for a varying length of time. You will be working 12 hours shifts with a preceptor and possibly attend classes or work through online modules. Nurse Residency class is once a month, on a set Thursday, from 0800-1100. The manager and educator in the area that you are interviewing with can answer more specific questions.
What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?
If you would like to learn more about our hospital-based nursing units, including the nurse-to-patient ratios, please click here.
What color scrubs do RNs wear?
All RNs wear Royal Blue scrubs.
What units are hiring for Denver Health's Nurse Residency Program?
- You can find a list of units that hire new graduates in the Nursing Student Toolkit on page 7.
- You will apply to our single residency posting (for all areas except our clinics, the Emergency Department and Preop/PACU). The application includes a preference survey listing all the units that hire new graduate nurses. There are links to in-patient unit descriptions and options to tell us your back-up preferences if your first choices are not currently hiring. Because openings change daily, we do not post exact availability, but a recruiter will call or email you personally if none of your preferred units are available.
Can I apply for the Emergency Department?
Yes. The Emergency Department accepts a few new graduate nurses each year for their 16-week Emergency Department Nurse Academy (EDNA). You will apply for this position through a separate listing. Since these positions are quickly filled, it’s a good idea to set up a job alert here for this position (you will need to
create a login account to set a job alert).
What about Preop/PACU?
Just like the ED they have a special training program and accept a few new grads each year. You will apply for this position through a separate listing. Since these positions are quickly filled, it’s a good idea to set up a job alert here for this position (you will need to
create a login account to set a job alert).
Do you do training for new grads in critical care?
We provide specific training for a limited number of new grads in critical care. The new grad RNs in Critical Care receive 12 weeks of orientation. In addition to the New Grad classes, we have all RNs new to critical care, including new grads, complete 75 hours of ECCO (essentials of critical care orientation) modules as well as attend 5 ECCO classes that address specific care we provide to ICU patients. We also have the N.I.C.E Nurse (New to the Intensive Care Environment) program for which we staff an experienced ICU RN as a N.I.C.E. RN, to be a resource for new ICU RNs their first 6 weeks off orientation.
Are correctional care/forensic nursing jobs generally available with the new grad residency?
Denver Health provides care for correctional care patients through a guarded and locked unit within the hospital (called CCMF – Correctional Care Medical Facility). New grads are hired to this unit.
What are the most competitive departments for new grad to get hired into at Denver Health?
Women’s Services, ED, and Critical Care Units receive the highest volume of applications.
How is starting as a new grad in the float pool different from another unit?
- Our float pool has a well-established and successful model for orienting new grads. It includes a variety of tracks and consistency of assigned units before truly floating. New grads progress through orientation in bite-size pieces, methodically and thoughtfully adding in additional units and skills.
- Each Float Pool New Grad is assigned a mentor, a Float Pool Preceptor, and Unit-Based Preceptors. The orientation begins with two weeks with the Float Pool Preceptor learning how they organize their days. Then, two weeks on each of four, similar acute care units. After that, the new grad is reunited with the Float Pool Preceptor who works with the new grad on solidifying identified skills.
- The following four months or so are dedicated to a thorough emersion into those same four units to allow time for hard wiring of skills and the building of confidence and competence.
- Following the emersion phase, an additional 3-4 units are methodically introduced. After that, the new grad “floats” among the units to which they are oriented.
- At the conclusion of the first year, an additional unit is added. Typically, new grads then are assigned a student and complete the preceptor course. At this time, optional opportunities to cross-train to additional areas are presented.
- Important Note: Every individual learns at a different pace. Orientation is adjusted to meet the needs of each new grad.
What are the requirements to apply for your new graduation Residency Program?
- In good standing and approaching graduation from a nursing program that will lead to taking the NCLEX
- Within 120 days of taking the NCLEX (expected timing)
- Less than 1 year of experience as a registered nurse
What is the timeframe when candidates are notified after applying?
Applications are reviewed Mon- Fri and sent to hiring managers within 48 hours of submission.
When can you expect to hear back about an interview after applying?
We review, and respond to, all applications quickly. If you are not receiving any correspondence within a week, please reach out directly.
Do you reply to all applicants regardless of whether they get the job?
- Yes. If you meet the minimum qualifications and at least one of your preferred units is hiring, your application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. The Manager or a department representative will reach out to schedule an interview.
- If none of your preferred units has an opening, a Recruiter will contact you to discuss units that are hiring. You may withdraw your application or consider one of these other units.
- If you are not advanced in our hiring process, you will receive a “not selected” email.
If I don’t qualify for the Nurse Residency yet, what other roles can I apply to?
- If you are not yet within 120 days of taking the NCLEX, we encourage to get a foot-in-the-door via one of our pre-nursing roles:
- Nursing Apprentice I
- Nursing Apprentice II
- Learn more on pages 8-9 of our Nursing Student Toolkit.
Do you accept individuals with an ADN finishing their BSN?
Yes, you can be hired with your ADN.
Are there any opportunities for me to visit, tour, and meet with a staff member about potentially working here?
Opportunities to tour may be a possibility during the final interview stages with the unit you are in discussion with, but this varies from unit to unit.
Are recommendation letters required?
Feel free to upload any supporting recommendation letters as an attachment to your application, but it is not required. We utilize a vendor to complete electronic reference surveys as part of our selection process.
What are the benefits of working for Denver Health?
The Nursing Student Toolkit includes a comprehensive list of benefits on page 4. Please click to read!
What does the residency program entail?
12 months of monthly, paid 3-hour classes on a variety of subjects. Goals of the residency program are to promote critical thinking and professional development along with peer support. Skill practice and initial competency will be completed on your unit of hire through 1:1 precepting.
What are the educational opportunities that are available for nurses?
- The department of Nursing Education, Research and Innovation sponsors a monthly Grand Rounds on a topic that is relevant to nursing
- Multiple conferences each year are sponsored by Denver Health (i.e. Diabetes and Trauma)
- Denver Health embraces the LEAN improvement methodology (see here). Classes are offered to staff.
- There is formal education for Charge Nurses and Preceptors.
- Free CEUs are provided through Nursing Reference Center Plus.
Does Denver Health offer a clinical ladder?
Yes. Nurses can apply to ProCAP (our clinical ladder) after working at Denver Health for at least one year. Professional development activities count toward an hourly pay differential.
Is there a mentorship program?
There are formal and informal mentorship programs at Denver Health depending on the unit and the department that you start in.
How long is orientation on the unit you will work for?
Orientation can take from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on unit of hire and experience. All preceptors are taught to evaluate your progress and, along with your educator and manager, move you to independent work when you are competent.
Are there patient caps in your hospital protecting nurses from unsafe patient loads?
The Nurse Staffing Committee oversees the development and any changes to our annual staffing plans and on a monthly basis. Our master nurse staffing plan is posted here.
Does Denver Health offer student loan repayment?
Denver Health does not have a student loan repayment program. However, there is tuition reimbursement, and we are an eligible employer for loan forgiveness through the PSLF program. Many of our staff enjoy significantly reduced loan payments through this program, and we offer resources on how to apply.
What does Denver Health have in place to promote nurse resilience and decrease nurse burnout?
- Everyone who works at Denver Health has access to our Employee Assistance Program. Every year, the program provides up to five free counseling sessions for staff members and up to five free counseling sessions for each of their immediate family members. Sessions can be via text, phone, video or in person
- Trained responders from our Denver Health program “Resilience and Equity through Support and Training for Organizational Renewal” (RESTORE) are available 24/7 to provide immediate peer-to-peer support for all Denver Health personnel. RESTORE also provides a calm space in the hospital for self-care, reflection and emotional support. “RESTORE 2 You” takes support directly to work areas, units and clinics. Drop-in Group support and Team-specific Group Support are also available.
- Worklife Navigators provide support and information on local and community resources for Denver Health staff. They can help guide you to emotional, physical, and financial well-being resources.
- You can click on a desktop icon from any Denver Health computer to access resources within Denver Health and outside of the organization.
- You can use the myStrength’s app or website to support your goals and well-being. It has tools that can help you overcome the challenges you face and stay mentally strong. And it’s all safe, secure and personalized just for you.
What are the benefits of being part of the Residency Program?
- There is evidence that transition to practice programs are overwhelmingly helpful for the nurse. Our program is data driven and therefore can flex to provide education and support in areas that residents identify as needs. Current topics for class include interdisciplinary communication, de-escalation, risk management, clinical ladder and professional development, patient experience, trauma informed care, EBP and multiple resiliency trainings.
- The Denver Health Residency Program has an overall one-year retention rate of 93% (91% in the past 5 years). This exceeds national rates. Based on data from the past five years, Denver Health Residency graduates stay at Denver Health for much longer than the national average. (5-year retention Denver Health 41.5%, national average 25.5%).
Do you have a sign-on bonus?
Denver Health has opted to not offer sign-on bonuses in favor of investing in our permanent staff.
WE HIRE GRADUATE NURSES ON THE FOLLOWING UNITS:
- Critical Care
- Medical ICU (MICU)
- Surgical ICU (SICU)
- 3B Flex /Progressive Care Unit
- Acute Care
- Medical/Oncology
- Medical/Telemetry
- Medical/Cardiology
- Med/Surg/Tele
- Surgical Trauma Unit
- Ortho/Neuro/Uro
- Oasis
- Med/Surg/Tele-Correctional Care Unit
- Women and Children's
- Labor and Delivery
- Mom/Baby
- Pediatrics/Pediatrics ICU (PICU)
- Neonatal ICU (NICU)
- Emergency Services
- Adult Emergency Department
- Pediatric Emergency Department
- Transfer Center
- Admission/Discharge Unit
- Clinical Decision Unit- Short Stay Observation Unit
- Rapid Response Team
- SANE Program - Forensic Nursing
- Surgical Services
- Operating Room
- Outpatient Operating Room
- Preop/PACU
- Outpatient Preop/PACU
- Behavioral Health
- Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
- Adolescent Behavioral Health
- Psychiatric Emergency Services
- ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders
- Float
