The Nurse Residency Program at Sparrow Health System is unique in comparison to other programs in that Nurse Residents have the opportunity
to work in several areas during the residency and make an informed decision regarding their first unit of hire.
The program was developed for new graduates who are unsure as to where they want to work. Residents rotate among different units over a twelve-week
period of time. This preceptored clinical experience assists them with organization, prioritization, and the ability to develop a solid skill base.
In addition, residents attend a variety of classes with content appropriate to assist them in practicing at Sparrow. There is also a monthly support meeting
to assist in the transition from academia to practice.
Upon hire the Nurse Resident is assured a full time position, but shift and unit are not determined until the end of the program. At the end of the twelve-week period,
Nurse Residents interview with managers who have openings in their unit.
Nurse Residents find the program assists them in beginning their nursing career at Sparrow Health System.
- Please go to Employment Opportunities, Public Job Opportunities and select Registered Nursing Student/New Grad from the Select a Job Category section and you will see a posting for Nurse Resident. Please complete the online application and attach a resume to the application.
- Submit one Reference Request Form by a clinical instructor and must be mailed directly from the clinical instructor to the address below.
Sparrow Health System
Human Resources, Suite 235
Attn: Lori Wright
1200 E. Michigan Ave.
P.O. Box 30480
Lansing, MI 48909-7980
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my schedule be during the residency?
Nurse Residents will be attending class sessions during day shift hours during the first week. Clinical rotations will be with a designated preceptor. Your schedule will be the same as the preceptors, which means you could work day shifts, night shifts and weekends.
How long is the residency?
The residency program is twelve weeks in length.
Is it possible to take time off during the residency?
It is not recommended that you plan vacation time during the residency. For one thing, as a new employee you will not have PTO time to be paid for the time off. Also, from a learning perspective, the consistency of working is beneficial.
What about holidays?
Nurse residents will not be working holidays during the residency.
When should I plan to take the NCLEX exam?
As soon as possible! If you need to schedule a day off for the exam, that is definitely supported. Research indicates a higher pass rate among those who take the exam sooner.
What factors determine where I work after the residency?
Although residents interview for available positions at the end of the residency, your attitude and performance during the residency are factors that are taken into account by the departments and managers in extending offers to the residents. Interviews will be scheduled a couple of weeks before the end of the residency program for positions that are available at that time.
What if I am sick during the residency?
In case of illness, you need to call the Nursing Education Department at 364.2764 an hour before your shift as well as the unit on which you are scheduled to work.
If I find a unit I like during the residency, can I take a position if it is available and leave the residency?
No, once you are accepted into the residency you are committed to the twelve-week program. Sparrow is making an investment in your professional development.
