Education & Professional Growth

As an academic medical center, Rush University Medical Center offers nursing staff the opportunity to pursue advanced degree training and increase their leadership potential.

Educational programs open to full- or part-time employees include the following:

• Full tuition prepayment at Rush University
• Generous tuition assistance to relevant degree programs at other colleges and universities and to nondegree training programs, workshops and seminars
• On-site training programs in clinical nursing and new technology
• Online classes through Rush University
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate coursework

Nurse Residency Program

New graduate nurses should not start their professional journey alone. At Rush University Medical Center, our Nurse Residency Program supports graduate nurses throughout the first six months of clinical practice, beyond orientation.

The goal is to support our graduate hires’ professional transition from life as nursing students to life as competent professional nurses.

Participation in six months of residency meetings is part of new graduate nurses’ regular work schedule. Topics covered during the program integrate real-world experience with the application of evidence-based practice. Topics include the following:

• Patient safety
• Critical thinking
• Communication 
• Leadership skills
• Wellness
• Nursing professional development

Minimum requirements for new graduates hired into the Nurse Residency Program include the following:

• Degree in nursing
• Illinois RN license
• Full-time employment
• Less than six months of RN experience

There is no separate application for the Nurse Residency Program. All new graduate nurses hired by RUSH University Medical Center who meet the criteria above are automatically enrolled in the Nurse Residency Program.

New graduates are hired on a monthly basis and begin the Nurse Residency Program within the first month of hire.

For more information about the Nurse Residency Program at Rush University Medical Center, contact ProfessionalNursing_Practice@rush.edu. 

START Nurse Residency Program

Rush Copley START Nurse Residency Program is accredited as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs. Our nurse residency program provides an individualized and comprehensive approach for new graduate nurses to acquire the knowledge, skill, and behaviors necessary to deliver safe, quality care within the acute care setting.

Skill development
Thinking critically
Applying evidence to the bedside
Resource utilization and support
Transitioning into nursing practice

Program Goals

The Rush Copley START Nurse Residency Program leadership aims to facilitate a successful transition to nursing practice through the following methods:

1. Practice-based skill development
2. Enhancement of competence and confidence
3. Cultivation of professional behavior
4. Promotion of professional involvement
5. Peer support networking and cohort connection

Program Guiding Principles

1. Elevate Nursing Professional Practice
   • Actions and functions of the program are intended to improve the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of new graduate nurses. Through multimodal learning activities utilizing innovative strategies, the content experts:
     -Encourage new nurses to achieve skill development through hands-on practice.
     -Stimulate new nurses to think critically through reflection and debriefing, use of case scenarios, and simulation activities.
     -Promote self-advocacy, facilitate professional development and growth, and foster a culture where peer support is an expectation.
2. Guided by Evidence
   • The nursing core curriculum is developed and maintained by Clinical Nurse Educators and is driven by relevant evidence and professional practice standards expressed through specialty organizations.
     -New graduate nurses gain experiential learning in applying evidence to the bedside through simulation activities that introduce the systematic process of quality improvement to achieve safe and high-quality patient care.
3. Performance- and Competency-based: 
   • Program leadership tracks, analyzes, and evaluates data to adaptively manage the program to best achieve goals and learning outcomes.
     -New graduate nurses are empowered to implement resource utilization and support to close gaps in cognitive and motor skills
   • New graduate nurses transition to practice successfully through robust and individualized bedside clinical orientation with a dedicated preceptor and skills sessions with the interprofessional care team.

Program Eligibility

• Recently graduated from an accredited nursing program with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above
• Have less than one year of acute care experience
• Illinois nursing license
• A BSN degree is preferred, but not required. 
  • If accepted into the program with an associate’s degree, it is expected to earn a BSN within 5 years.

How to Apply

• The START Nurse Residency Program hires into a cohort during March, August, and November.
• To find the job listing for the START Nurse Residency Program at Rush Copley, view current job opportunities and enter "new grad RN" in the keyword search box.
• Applications are accepted when the START Nurse Residency Program positions are posted 2-3 months prior to March, August, or November.

Nursing Portfolio

New graduate nurses who are selected as prospective candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio that highlights their professional goals and accomplishments. The portfolio should include the following:

• Professional Goals: A clear statement outlining short-term and long-term career objectives.
• Resume: An updated resume detailing educational background, work experience, and relevant skills. 
• Academic performance: Official transcript reflecting a GPA of 3.0 or above
• Projects and Work Samples: Examples of work that demonstrate skills and accomplishments, including any relevant projects completed during the course of studies or internships.
• Certifications and Awards: Any certifications, honors, or awards that showcase qualifications and achievements.
• Personal Statement: A 500-word essay that reflects your passion for your field, your motivation for pursuing your career goals, and why you should be chosen for the START Nurse Residency Program.
• References are submitted separately online and must include at least three clinical instructors.

Accreditation Statement

Rush Copley START Nurse Residency Program is accredited as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs.

Professional Growth and Development

Rush Copley supports nurses by encouraging the development of their clinical, research and leadership skills. The environment is designed to foster both personal and professional growth through various initiatives and resources. These may include continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, access to research projects, and leadership training workshops. By providing these avenues for growth, Rush Copley aims to empower nurses to enhance their expertise and advance their careers in the health care field.

Academic Progression

Rush Copley nurses have the ability to take advantage of a wide range of benefits to help achieve their professional goals:

• Scholarships for nursing students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
• Tuition reimbursement for nurses completing their undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees
• Financial assistance for certification programs
• Discounted tuition rates through our educational partners:
  • Aurora University
  • Lewis University
  • Benedictine University
  • University of St. Francis
  • Chamberlain College of Nursing
  • Olivet Nazarene University
  • Rasmussen College
• Free on-site, accredited nursing continuing education units
• Career development opportunities
  • Foundation in Leadership Program – Emerging Leaders
  • Professional Board Certifications
  • Support for lifelong learning
• Professional development opportunities
  • Nursing student clinical preceptors
  • Preceptor Development Program
  • Clinical Coordinator Development Program
  • Nurse mentorship opportunities
  • Shared Governance participation
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Rush Nurse Research Fellowship
  • Unit based process improvement activities
  • Clinical nurse-led research at the bedside
  • Organization-wide initiatives and projects

Nursing Simulation Lab (STAR Center)

Rush Copley Medical Center’s nursing Simulation, Training and Resource Center provides an excellent opportunity for nurses to enhance their clinical skills and competencies in a safe, risk-free environment. Participants can engage in realistic patient care scenarios using advanced medical simulators, allowing them to practice and refine their skills. Experienced clinical nurse educators guide participants through the process, offering valuable feedback and insights to help them learn and improve from their experiences. This approach fosters professional development and prepares nurses for real-world clinical situations.

Nursing Research Opportunities

Rush Copley nurses play a vital role in advancing the field of nursing through their active participation in nursing research and the implementation of evidence-based practice changes. By engaging in these activities, they not only contribute to the scientific foundation of nursing care but also serve as catalysts for innovation and transformation in patient care. The environment at Rush Copley offers numerous opportunities for nurses to explore and enhance their knowledge, ultimately leading to improved nursing practices and outcomes for patients. Rush Copley has a nurse scientist on site to assist nurses with conducting research to improve patient care, developing evidence-based practices, analyzing healthcare data, and contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge.

Meaningful Recognition

At Rush Copley, outstanding contributions made by nurses to patient care are both noticed and recognized. This acknowledgment occurs through daily interactions among peers and supervisors, as well as through formal recognition programs. Patients, families and guests also have the opportunity to recognize exceptional care through initiatives such as the DAISY Award and the HERO (Healthcare Employees Reaching Out) program. These efforts highlight the commitment to excellence in nursing and patient care within the organization.

RUSH Oak Park Hospital nurses also have the opportunity to participate in a Nurse Residency Program upon hiring.

Nurse Residency Program

New graduate nurses should not start their professional journey alone. At Rush Oak Park Hospital, our Nurse Residency Program supports the new bachelor- or master’s-prepared graduate throughout the first year of clinical practice, beyond orientation.

The goal is to support our new graduate hires’ professional transition from the life of a nursing student to that of a competent professional nurse.

Participation in one year of residency meetings (once a month) is part of new graduate nurses’ regular work assignment. Nursing leadership supports this participation. New graduate nurses are also assigned a preceptor who provides them guidance throughout the Nurse Residency Program.

Expert nurses lead residency activities, emphasizing topics that integrate real-world experience with the application of evidence-based practice. Topics include the following:

• Patient safety
• Critical thinking
• Communicating care
• Leadership skills
• Stress management
• End-of-life decision making
• Professional career development

Minimum requirements for new graduates hired into the Nurse Residency Program include the following:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing
• Illinois RN license
• Full-time employment
• No prior work experience as a registered nurse

There is no separate application for the Nurse Residency Program. All new graduate nurses hired by Rush Oak Park Hospital who meet the criteria above are automatically enrolled in the Nurse Residency Program.

New graduates are hired on a monthly basis for specific units. After completing unit orientation with a preceptor, you will begin attending nurse residency meetings.

For more information about the RUSH Nurse Residency Program at Rush Oak Park Hospital, contact Jakeiyah Triplett, Jakeiyah_Triplett@rush.edu