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Opportunities for RN and LPN Students
Paid, hands-on experience for nursing students
Ballad Health offers nursing opportunities that allow students to engage in hands-on learning while earning an income.
We have three pathways for you to choose from to help you take the next steps in your career in nursing:
- Intern – Any time after first semester
- Pre-Resident – During last semester
- Resident – After graduation
Applicants can start from any point in this progression based on where they’re at in their nursing education.
Nurse Intern
The role of the Nurse Intern on the team is like that of a Nursing Assistant. After successfully completing the Foundations/Fundamentals of Nursing course, you can apply to be a Nurse Intern.
Nurse Intern qualifications
- Enrollment in a BSN, ADN or LPN program at an accredited school of nursing
- Successful completion of Foundations/Fundamentals of Nursing and your first clinical rotation as evidenced by an official transcript
- Successful completion of the AHA Basic Life Support course
How to apply
You can apply online to become a Nurse Intern by clicking the button below and searching for any of the following positions at a Ballad Health facility:
- Nurse Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- CNA/Nurse Intern
- CNA/NA
- Nurse Intern
If you have any questions about this program, please contact recruitment@balladhealth.org.
Pre-Residency
The Nurse Pre-Residency Program is designed to prepare nursing students to transition into the Nurse Residency Program as new graduate registered nurses. During the last semester of nursing school, students will follow a nurse preceptor on their assigned unit and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
The goal of this program is to develop critical thinking, sharpen specialized nursing skills and establish time management techniques in preparation for the role of professional nurse.
Pre-Residency qualifications
- Enrollment in an accredited ADN/BSN nursing program
- Expected graduation date within the next semester
- GPA of 2.75 or greater (2.5 GPA for current team members in good standing)
Pre-Residency requirements
- Commit to completion of 160 hours in a 16-week time frame (includes orientation, precepted shifts and interdisciplinary shadowing)
- Provide two program reference forms
- Complete an interview
Important dates for May/August 2027 RN graduates
- Open application period: September 1 – October 30, 2026
- Application deadline: October 30, 2026
- Orientation: January 8, 2027 (mandatory attendance)
- Please note: Individuals new to Ballad Health must also complete the New Team Member Orientation.
- Nurse Pre-Residency term: January 8 – May 15, 2027
How to apply
You can apply online for Nurse Pre-Residency. Click the link below, and in the search bar, type in “Nurse Pre-Residency,” to view the listing.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact nursepreresidency@balladhealth.org.
Nurse Residency
Ballad Health is committed to supporting the next generation of nursing professionals through the Nurse Residency program.
The Ballad Health Nurse Residency Program is designed to support the successful transition of new graduate nurses into professional practice by fostering clinical competence, confidence, critical thinking and resilience. Grounded in evidence-based practice and aligned with ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) standards, the program prioritizes structured, practice-based learning, mentorship, reflective practice and a culture of safety.
Nurse Residents will benefit from focused training and the opportunity for two to four twelve-week clinical rotations in areas that align with their interests prior to matching into a permanent position. These experiences help new graduates build the clinical skills, confidence and competence needed for a successful transition into professional nursing practice.
Residents also have the opportunity to explore different specialties and care environments, helping them identify the unit and team that best support their career goals. This approach provides a strong foundation for long-term professional growth and success in nursing.
Nurse Residency curriculum schedule
Residency curriculum expands upon the basic new graduate orientation by incorporating:
The first 3 weeks of the Nurse Residency Program are dedicated to orientation and foundational learning. These are focused on orientation, education and skills development, providing residents with a strong foundation for clinical practice.
The first 12-week clinical rotation is a protected orientation period designed to support a successful transition into practice. Residents are paired with an experienced preceptor and gain the confidence, competence and clinical experience needed for independent practice. Residency and specialty specific education is strategically scheduled to maximize bedside learning while providing the resources and support necessary for success.
The second 12-week clinical rotation allows residents to further develop their skills and independence while continuing to receive the support and guidance of an experienced preceptor. During this phase, residents begin managing their own patient assignments while working alongside their preceptor to strengthen clinical judgment, decision making, and confidence in practice.
At the conclusion of the second rotation, residents have the opportunity to match into a permanent position within one of the units where they completed a clinical rotation, allowing them to transition into a specialty and team that best aligns with their interests, strengths, and career goals.
Residents who do not match into a permanent position after their second rotation, or who wish to explore additional specialties, may complete a third and, if desired, a fourth 12-week clinical rotation. These additional rotations provide opportunities to gain experience in clinical areas that align with individual interests and career goals while continuing to build clinical expertise, confidence, and professional growth.
Upon completion of the 12-month Nurse Residency Program, residents graduate from the program and are recognized for their accomplishments during a formal graduation ceremony. This milestone celebrates their successful transition into professional nursing practice and their commitment to clinical excellence, lifelong learning and compassionate patient care.
Residents are supported throughout the entire 12-month Nurse Residency Program, regardless of when they match into a permanent position. The program’s layered support structure, including mentorship, education, peer connections and leadership guidance, follows residents as they transition into their new role, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive during their first year of practice.
How to apply
If you have any questions about this program, please contact nurseresidencyprogram@balladhealth.org.
Important dates
Cohort dates
- August (August Graduates):
• August 23, 2026
• September 6, 2026
• September 20, 2026
December (December Graduates):
• December 27, 2026
• January 10, 2027
• January 24, 2027
• February 7, 2027
May (May Graduates):
• May 16, 2027
• May 30, 2027
• June 13, 2027
• June 27, 2027
• July 11, 2027
August (August Graduates):
• August 22, 2027
• September 5, 2027
• Sept 19, 2027
December 2026 Graduates
Apply to be in the December 2026 graduating class.
May 2027 Graduates
Apply to be in the May 2027 graduating class.