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HUH PRE-NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Preparing Our Nurses for Success

The Howard University Hospital (HUH) Pre-Nurse Residency Program (NPR) is an eight week paid initiative, designed to offer graduate nurses access to a real world nurse preceptor who provides supervision during clinical practice and also facilitates the application of theory to practice for students. The program's main purpose is to assist with NCLEX-RN success on the first attempt while providing candidates the opportunity to work and gain additional knowledge and valuable, hands-on experience on a hospital surgical unit. The Pre-Nurse Residency Program supports and encourages the development and growth of new graduate nurses. 


The goals of the program include:

  • Helping new hires confidently transition from graduate student to RN

  • Identifying and addressing gaps in a nurse’s clinical knowledge

  • Improving nurses’ critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills

  • Fostering continuous professional growth and development

  • Reducing turnover and improving the patient experience through skilled nursing

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Click on the links to find information about Nurse Residency Program Benefits, Eligibility Requirements, Frequently Asked Questions and How to Apply. 

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Click "HERE" to Apply for the 2025 HUH Pre-Nurse Residency Program

HUH PRE-NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Program Benefits

Benefits

The HUH Pre-Nurse Residency Program offers a myriad of benefits to graduate nurses, effectively preparing them with clinical knowledge as well as critical thinking skills prior to their independent practice. 

The program benefits includes:

  • Earning income while you learn & gain “real world” nursing experience with a preceptor

  • Training full-time on a medical surgical unit as a “Graduate Nurse” by DCBON

  • Developing clinical competencies and practical experience

  • Dedicated & scheduled time to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam

  • Expert assistance preparing for NCLEX-RN exam with a goal of a passing score on the first attempt

HUH PRE-NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Program Requirements & Eligibility

Criteria

To qualify for the HUH Pre-Nurse Residency Program, potential candidates are required to meet a select eligibility requirements, which includes:  

  • Must apply to the Washington D.C., Board of Nursing (DCBON) to take the District of Columbia NCLEX-RN exam; and providing proof of a completed application

  • Must be a "Graduate Nurse" in the Pre-Nurse Residency Program

  • A 2-year employment commitment at Howard University Hospital

  • Open to graduating seniors or individuals that have graduated within 6 months of cohort start date

  • Guaranteed placement into Nurse Residency Program (required) for the September 2024 cohort

HUH PRE-NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

The HUH Pre-Nurse Residency Program offers a myriad of benefits to graduate nurses, effectively preparing them with clinical knowledge as well as critical thinking skills prior to their independent practice. 

1. What is your new grad orientation/Pre-Nurse Residency Program structure (e.g., program benefits, length & requirements to complete, contractual obligations)? 

 

The Pre-Nurse Residency Program begins on June 3, 2024 – July 26, 2024; (8 week duration)

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2.  What units do you accept new grads onto, and do any of them tend to have fewer spots or be available less often?

 

  • Pre-Nurse Residency employees work on Medical-Surgical units, only

  • We accept Nurse Residents into all units to include specialty units such as Emergency Department, Critical Care, Behavioral Health, Perioperative Services, etc.

  • Upon successful completion of the NRP, graduates may apply to transfer to specialty units

  • Women & Infant Services tends to have fewer spots

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3.  How frequently do you hire new grads? If at set times of the year, when are typical cohort start dates and application acceptance periods?

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  • Pre-Nurse Residency: Spring/Summer Cohort has a June start date

  • Applications are accepted year-round

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4.  How close to graduating and/or taking the NCLEX do you recommend that candidates apply? 

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​We recommend graduating students apply in their junior and senior years; however, as stated previously, applications are accepted year-round.

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5.  What are the preferred qualifications (e.g., GPA, certain clinicals, leadership or volunteer experience, other qualities)?

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  • 2.8 Cumulative GPA

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6.  What does the application and interview process entail? How long is the typical process from applying to finding out about an offer?

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  • Applicants should apply directly online at HUH’s website under Careers

  • Interviews are held with the Director of Professional Services & Education along with a Medical-Surgical Director or Nurse Manager from the desired specialty unit

  • The Chief Nursing Officer and/or Associate Chief Nursing Officer may also participate in interviews

  • Applicants must be accepted into their NRP unit

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7.  What is the approximate starting pay for new grads? Is there a differential for having an MSN?

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  • $35+/hr (2023-2024 Fiscal Year)

  • Shift differentials:

  • Nights – 19% above base pay

  • Weekends – 34% above base pay

  • MSNs do not receive additional differential rates

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8.  Who should nursing students contact if they have more questions?

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Michaele Nesbitt-Johnson, DNP, MGA, RN, NEA-BC

Director of Professional Development and Education

Howard University Hospital

Email: mnesbitt-johnson@huhosp.org

Office:  202-865-4040

Cell: 202-938-9765

Olga Goldthorp

Senior Nursing Recruiter

Howard University Hospital

Email: ogoldthorp@huhosp.org

Office: 202-865-7858

Cell: 202-425-0153

HUH PRE-NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Start Your Journey & Apply Today

Start Your Journey

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The HUH Pre-Nurse Residency Program begins June 3, 2024

Explore the Possibilities of a Career in Nursing

Thank you for your submission to the HUH Nurse Residency Program

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