Graduate Nurse
Residency Program

Registered Nurse First Year Residency Program


CentraCare’s Graduate Nurse Residency Program is a nationally recognized, year-long program designed to support new graduate RNs as they transition from student to professional nurse. You’ll be hired into a regular, permanent RN position and wage, plus receive additional support, education, and mentorship throughout your first year.

The program is offered at the following CentraCare locations:
Long Prairie, Melrose, Paynesville, Sauk Centre, Willmar (Rice Memorial), and St. Cloud Hospital. 

Learn More About Our
Hospitals and Units

See Department Details
See Location Details
Program Purpose & Objective

The purpose of this program is to ease the transition from nursing student to professional nurse, providing structured support and development opportunities during the first year of practice.


As a program participant, you will:

  • Develop strong communication skills
    Foster meaningful connections with patients, families, and care teams.
  • Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team
    Contribute confidently to collaborative patient care.
  • Prioritize wellness and resilience
    Adopt strategies to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
  • Deliver evidence-based, high-quality care
    Make clinical decisions centered on patients, families, and communities.
  • Commit to lifelong learning
    Embrace change and grow through ongoing education and reflection.
  • Practice ethically and equitably
    Create safe, inclusive care environments that address health disparities.

Where You Can Work

CentraCare hires new graduate RNs throughout the year, based on unit availability. Some units may require additional experience or education.

Regional Hospitals

Long Prairie, Melrose, Paynesville, Sauk Centre
  • Begin in Medical/Surgical
  • Later cross-train into Obstetrics (OB) and Emergency Department (ED)

Rice Memorial Hospital (Willmar)

  • Adult Health Care (Med/Surg)
  • Behavioral Health
  • Emergency Trauma Center (ETC)
  • Float Pool
  • ICU
  • Surgery
  • Women & Newborn Health
St. Cloud Hospital
  • Birth Center
  • Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
  • Cardiovascular Thoracic Unit (CVTU)
  • Coborn Cancer Center
  • Center for Surgical Care
  • Endoscopy
  • Emergency Trauma Center (ETC)
  • Float Pool
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Medical Units 1 & 2
  • Mental Health (Adult & Adolescent)
  • EmPATH Unit
  • Medical Progressive Care Unit (MPCU)
  • Neuroscience Spine
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Oncology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Plaza Surgery Center
  • Inpatient Rehab
  • Surgical Care Units 1 & 2
  • OR
  • Telemetry
  • Vascular Access

Application Process


Placement is based on your interview preferences (units and shifts), references, clinical and work experience, and current job openings.


Steps to Apply:

  1. Submit an application
    👉     Apply for the program here
  2. Phone Interview
    If selected to move forward, a recruiter will contact you to schedule an interview after reviewing your application. You may also be asked to submit references as part of the application process.
  3. Department Interview
    Based on both availability and your preferences, you may be invited to participate in a formal interview with the department.
  4. Next Steps

         If you receive an offer, a recruiter will contact you to review the details. If not selected, you will be notified via email.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Questions You May Have