New Graduate Nurse RN Medical Surgical

About the Role

The HCA Nurse Residency Program at Lafayette Regional Health Center offers a year-long, paid program designed to provide hands-on experience and establish valuable clinical and critical thinking skills for Graduate Nurse (RN) candidates. This program supports the transition from student nurse to registered nurse within a Med/Surg/ICU Unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with department requirements and scope of practice.
• Provide individualized, comprehensive, and compassionate care using nursing models such as "Assess, Perform, Teach, and Manage."
• Serve as an advocate for patients, families, and caregivers.
• Assess patient condition during admission and each shift, identifying and reporting changes.
• Perform procedures, monitoring, and other functions as ordered by medical providers.
• Document care administration in the patient medical record.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor for therapeutic response, intervening as appropriate.
• Respond promptly to patient requests, anticipating and proactively resolving needs.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on medical conditions, treatment plans, medications, and follow-up measures, translating complex medical terminology for understanding.

Program Learning Experiences

• Advanced clinical training in a specialty area.
• Monthly educational sessions.
• Preceptorship training with a facility preceptor.
• Measurement and evaluation of skills through hands-on simulations.
• Mentoring from experienced nurse leaders.
• Collaborative work on an evidence-based practice project.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) obtained within 30 days of employment.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) obtained within 1 year of employment.
• Other Certifications may be required during employment.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
• Registered Nurse License within 90 days of graduation date.
• Some travel may be needed for training.

About Lafayette Regional Health Center

Lafayette Regional Health Center is a 25+ bed critical access hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission. We provide compassionate and high-quality acute and outpatient medical care services in a small-town environment, operating three physician clinics. The hospital is part of HCA Healthcare Midwest Health.