New Graduate RN Residency

The New Graduate RN Residency program at Fred Hutch Cancer Center is uniquely designed to support the transition of new graduate RNs into ambulatory oncology nursing and is open to all nurses who have less than one year of experience and are passionate about starting their nursing career in oncology at Fred Hutch.

Upon completion of the residency program, RN residents will be well-equipped to provide skilled and compassionate oncology care to a variety of patients.

 

Program Components

The year-long New Graduate RN Residency Program consists of the following components:

Pre-Clinical Onboarding

  • Centralized orientation to Fred Hutch and the oncology nurse role
  • Foundational oncology and research education from Fred Hutch’s CE-accredited webinars, Oncology Nursing Society, and CITI Program
  • Specialty-specific didactic education and hands-on skills training
  • Shadow experiences applicable to the new graduate RN role

Unit Orientation

  • Clinical training alongside designated unit preceptors
  • Weekly check-ins with the residency team, unit educators, and department leaders to support clinical competence, progress toward orientation objectives, and professional transition to practice
  • Reflective practice through bi-weekly journal submissions
  • Dedicated two hours of independent study time each week

Supporting Independent Practice

  • Required and optional educational seminars specific to the new graduate nurse role and transition from novice to expert oncology nursing practice
  • Complete evidence-based practice project

Eligibility

To be eligible for the New Graduate RN Residency program, candidates must:

  • Have completed an accredited nursing program (Associate Degree or higher)
  • Be newly licensed with less than one year of RN experience
  • Obtain a Washington State RN license prior to start date 
  • Obtain an active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to start date
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development to modify services to age and development stage of the patient
  • Demonstrate awareness of the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social domains of care delivery
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of patient privacy rights

Ideal Candidates

We prioritize hiring new graduate nurses who support Fred Hutch’s mission to prevent and eliminate cancer and infectious disease. Ideal candidates share Fred Hutch’s commitment to the urgency of our patients, the hope of our community, and our passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for every person in every community.

We seek individuals who are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in their care of Fred Hutch patients, families, and staff.

Other preferred qualifications of ideal candidates will be considered:

  • BSN or higher in nursing from an accredited school
  • Experience in oncology, immunotherapy, and/or blood and marrow transplant during a student practicum or previous employment

Application Timeframe

 Process

 February 2025 Cohort

 August 2025 Cohort

 Application Available 

 October 14 - November 1, 2024

 April 7 - April 25, 2025

 Interviews

 November 4 - December 13, 2024

 April 28 - June 6, 2025

 Final Decisions 

 December 20, 2024

 June 13, 2025

 Washington State RN License Deadline  

 Friday, January 31, 2025 by 2 p.m.

 Friday, August 1, 2025 by 2 p.m.

 Start Date

 Tuesday, February 18, 2025

 Monday, August 18, 2025

*Dates are subject to change and will be updated as necessary.

Application Process

  1. Applications for each cohort will be available for a 3-week window. Submitted applications are reviewed and qualified applicants will be selected to complete a phone screen with a recruiter.
  2. After completing the phone screen, select applicants will complete a first-round interview with the Fred Hutch RN Residency team.
  3. Top candidates will be invited to participate in a final interview with department managers. 
  4. Offers will be extended on the final decision date. Candidate selection and placement in the residency program is determined by individual qualifications, mutual interest in the department or specialty, and position availability.

Application Considerations

  • Be ready to apply as soon as the application window opens. The application process moves quickly. Applications or resumes submitted after the availability window will not be accepted.
  • Reflect on your clinical experiences and former work experiences. Be prepared to share specific examples of your clinical experience and compassionate care of your patients in your interview. We look forward to learning about what draws you to oncology nursing!
  • Plan to provide nursing references. Candidates considered in the final selection process will be required to provide two nursing references, with at least one reference being a clinical instructor, clinical preceptor, or nurse colleague in applicable work experience, who can speak to your patient care experiences.
  • Applicants may apply to the residency prior to graduation but must graduate, pass the NCLEX, and have a Washington State RN license prior to starting. Refer to the application timeline for licensure deadlines for each cohort. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our RN Residency team is happy to help as you start your nursing career at Fred Hutch. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please email the New Graduate RN Residency program (education@fredhutch.org).

Applying and Hiring

Please review the sections on eligibility and ideal candidates for required and preferred applicant qualifications.

Please include this information on your resume to help us better understand your experience and qualifications:

  • Nursing program and graduation month and year (or expected graduation month and year)
  • Specific nursing clinical rotations, including specialty, facility, and hours completed
  • Previous work experience, especially in healthcare or customer service settings
  • Other relevant education, certifications, or volunteer experiences

Cover letters are not required of applicants, however, you are welcome to provide a cover letter if you wish to offer more information on what draws you to oncology nursing and Fred Hutch as you begin your nursing career.

New graduate nurses should apply to the Registered Nurse Resident listing posted on the Fred Hutch website during the available applications dates for each cohort. Specific positions available in each cohort will vary and will be specified in the job posting for that cohort.

Candidates who are not selected may apply for future cohorts if they continue to meet eligibility criteria for the residency program.

Positions available in each cohort will vary and will be specified in the job posting for that cohort. New graduate nurses have previously completed residencies in Apheresis, General Oncology Clinics, Hematology Clinics, Infusion, Blood and Marrow Transplant, and Procedure Suite.

Each cohort we receive many applications from highly qualified candidates, and the selection process is very competitive. While prior clinical rotations or work experience at Fred Hutch are considered, they do not guarantee a residency position . 

Time Commitment and Work Expectations

All new graduate RN residents are required to work full-time (40 hours per week) for their 16-week residency orientation. Entering the ambulatory oncology setting is a rigorous, full-time commitment and we do not allow part-time employment during the 16-week orientation period. Full-time employment is strongly encouraged for the first 6 months following orientation and any changes to FTE are at the discretion of department managers.

  • During pre-clinical onboarding all residents will work Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • During the unit orientation, residents are paired with one or several preceptors and will be assigned shifts to mirror their designated preceptors’ schedules. Department operating hours vary, and RN residents may be assigned to work five 8-hour shifts per week, four 10-hour shifts per week, or a combination of shift lengths. You may be required to work some evenings, weekend shifts, and holidays, with earliest shifts starting at 6:45 a.m. and latest shifts ending at 10:15 p.m. You can ask your recruiter about unit-specific operating hours. This information will also be discussed in the interview and selection process.

Full-time employment is strongly encouraged for the first 6 months after completion of the 16-week residency orientation to support further knowledge and skill acquisition and a successful transition to practice. Once the residency orientation is completed, any changes to hours, schedule, or FTE are at the discretion of the department manager.