Nursing at Seattle Children’s
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing at Seattle Children's
For Those Considering a Career in Nursing
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Where can I get information about nursing careers?
Johnson & Johnson's Discover Nursing site provides excellent information about nursing.
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How do I know which nursing program is right for me?
The Washington Healthcare Careers site is a great resource for identifying nursing programs in Washington state.
Make sure to attend the information sessions at any schools you are considering.
For Nursing Students
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Does Seattle Children's hire nursing students in patient-care roles?
Yes. We have limited opportunities for nursing students in patient-care roles, such as nursing technician, certified nursing assistant and unit coordinator.
Please see the job list for vacancies.
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How do I obtain a nursing technician registration?
Visit the Washington State Department of Health website.
For New Nursing Graduates
We welcome new nursing graduates – and we'll support you as you transition from student to nurse. New graduate RNs will begin their Seattle Children’s careers in the Nurse Residency Program, which is held three to four times a year, with the first cohort beginning in February 2017.
We prefer to hire new graduate RNs:
- With a BSN from a school with a pediatric inpatient acute care and hospital-based clinical rotation where you planned and provided direct patient care. New graduates with an ADN will also be considered.
- With work experience in a pediatric acute care setting, or senior student experience in a pediatric acute care setting
- Who are diverse candidates who reflect the population of patients and families we serve
Applicants need to have their Washington state RN license prior to beginning with their cohort in the residency program, but are allowed to apply to the program prior to having their license.
Orientation, mentoring and support
As a newly graduated nurse at Seattle Children's, you'll receive orientation and ongoing support to help you succeed.
The Nurse Residency Program is for new graduate nurses with less than a year of nursing experience. The program provides a combination of in-class learning experiences with patient care orientation on the units with a nurse preceptor and a variety of experiences to help the new nurse transition into their new role.
Orientation under the Nurse Residency Program includes:
- A pediatric curriculum that includes various learning modalities
- Patient care orientation with a nurse preceptor
- New graduate nurse support that emphasizes the importance of well-being and work-life balance
- Mentorship with an experienced nurse
- Shadow experience in service areas that you will interact with as a nurse
- Participation in an evidence-based project under the guidance of an advanced practice nurse
- Evaluation of new graduate nurse competency
Commitments for nurse residents include:
- Work a full-time position, which includes nights, evenings, weekends and holidays
- Flexibility in scheduling with patient care shifts and classes
- Residents will be expected to plan time off around residency classes. Classes will be more concentrated at the beginning of the program.
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Where do you hire new graduate RNs?
We hire on the medical, surgical, cancer, intensive care, emergency department, acute care float pool and other units.
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When do I apply for a new graduate RN position?
Applicants may apply for new positions prior to taking their NCLEX.
For Experienced Nurses
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I am an experienced nurse working in an adult care setting. How can I make the transition into pediatrics?
We create individualized orientations based on your individual experience, and will ensure you have a smooth transition into pediatric practice.
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Does Seattle Children's require a refresher course for RNs returning to the field?
We recommend a refresher course for RNs who have not worked for approximately two years or more in an acute care setting. Information about refresher courses can be found at Washington Healthcare Careers.
General Information for Nursing Applicants
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How do I apply for an RN position at Seattle Children's?
Interested RNs should apply online. New staff nurse positions are posted on our website every Wednesday. Other changes to job postings may occur at any time. Job postings for new graduate nurses will specify in the title that nurse residents or new graduate RNs are welcome to apply for the position.
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How can I get information about wages and benefits?
Wages for staff RN positions are determined by the bargaining agreement, and are based on full-time equivalent RN experience. Learn more about benefits.
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How do I obtain information for Washington state nursing licensure?
Visit the Washington State Nursing Commission’s website.
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Where can I get a BLS for healthcare providers?
Cascade Healthcare Services offers information and testing for online courses.