Ambulatory Nurse Residency

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Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program

The Sanford Health Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month program designed to help you transition from a new graduate to a professional nurse. During the program, you’ll receive personal and professional support to help you thrive in your new role. 

As an ambulatory nurse resident, you will:

  • Strengthen clinical knowledge and skills specific to ambulatory care
  • Review evidence-based practice in nursing
  • Strengthen self-confidence and competence as a leader at the point of care
  • Foster professional growth and personal satisfaction through role modeling and mentoring

You’ll be automatically enrolled in the program if you’re starting a position as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse at a participating clinic and have less than 12 months of nursing experience. This includes new nurses who have graduated from an accredited school of nursing with a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree or master’s degree.

Eligibility FAQ

How do I apply for the program?

The Sanford Health Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program does not require a separate application. All qualifying new-graduate nurses hired at participating clinics are automatically enrolled in the program.

Will I be hired for a position in a specific clinic, or will I be hired for the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program and choose my permanent position and clinic later?

You will be hired for a position by a specific clinic before you start the program. View Sanford Health nursing job openings to explore opportunities.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to be in the program?

No. All registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with less than 12 months of nursing experience are enrolled in the program when they’re hired by a participating clinic, regardless of the degree they earned.

I have licensed practical nursing (LPN) experience. Can I be in the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program?

Yes, the program is offered to new registered nurses and licensed practical nurses with less than 12 months of experience who accept a position at a participating clinic.

Program details FAQ

How often is the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program offered?

Sanford Health begins new cohorts for 12 months of the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program in January, April, July and October.

Do I get American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) contact hours for the program?

No, this program does not award ANCC contact hours.

If I join the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program, what shifts and hours will I work?

Shift hours and schedules are determined by the clinic supervisor or director and listed in job postings. You will be informed of these during the interview process, too.

How long is the program?

The Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month program that begins on the next cohort start date (January, April, July or October) following your employment start date and typically following the completion of your initial department orientation.

If I transfer to another clinic, will I continue to participate in the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program?

Yes. If you transfer to another clinic in the same facility or another participating facility, you will continue to go through the program.

Will I be asked to sign a contract that requires me to work a certain amount of time for Sanford Health if I join the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program?

While signing a contract is typically not a requirement for this program, the expectation upon hiring is that you will fulfill an agreement to work at Sanford Health for at least the duration of the Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program.

Monthly seminars FAQ

Will I be paid to attend the program seminars, and am I eligible for benefits?

Yes. As a Sanford Health employee, you are eligible for benefits and are compensated for attending monthly seminars. Your position determines your eligibility for the level of benefits you will receive.

Is attendance mandatory?

Participation in the program is required for new-graduate nurses at participating clinics. Seminar attendance is expected. Any absence from a scheduled activity is subject to the Sanford Health attendance policy, and any work missed during an absence must be made up. To successfully complete the program, the resident must attend all monthly seminars. Accommodation is made for all legally protected leaves.

I have a question or have to miss a seminar. Who do I contact?

Contact your program coordinator and your clinic director or supervisor for more information. If you must miss a seminar, contact the coordinator and director/supervisor before the scheduled seminar date to discuss your options.

How often does the program meet for seminars?

The Ambulatory Nurse Residency Program seminars are held once a month for 12 months.

What should I wear to seminars? Can I wear scrubs?

The dress code for the monthly seminars is to wear your name badge above your waist with scrubs or professional office attire. Try to avoid jeans and non-Sanford Health T-shirts.

How will my work schedule accommodate attendance at seminars?

Your schedule will be adjusted to accommodate your attendance at monthly seminars. Time spent at seminars will count toward your worked hours. Accommodations will be determined by your hiring supervisor or director.