Graduate Nurse Residency Program

CentraCare is committed to helping new graduate RNs transition confidently from student to professional nurse through our highly respected and nationally accredited Graduate Nurse Residency Program. Our year-long, paid residency program provides monthly training, mentoring, and support designed to shape you into an exceptional nurse. This program is designed for nurses with less than 1 year of RN experience and is available at: Paynesville, Melrose, Sauk Centre, Long Prairie, Rice Memorial (Willmar), and St. Cloud Hospital (5x Magnet®-designated).  

When to apply:

• Apply during your final semester OR after graduation.

• Please note that applications for candidates graduating in December 2026 will not be considered until the fall review period. 

What to know: 

• You’ll be considered for all new grad RN openings at CentraCare by applying to this application. 
• Include a current resume with your application.
• Select your top 3 units of interest on the application. View units who hire new grads here. Some units may require additional experience or education, and not all units have current openings.
• We hire and start new grad RNs year-round based on unit availability.  

Here’s what you need to qualify:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program and have a Minnesota RN license by your start date. 
• Less than 1 year of RN experience.
• BSN is required to be completed within 3 years of hire (St. Cloud only).

Schedule:

• Shifts and FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents) vary by unit and are determined at the time of offer based on availability.
• Day/night rotations and straight night shifts are commonly available. Day/evening rotations or straight evening shifts may be offered occasionally, based on unit needs.
• Shifts may be 8 or 12 hours in length. Weekend requirements are typically every other weekend or every third weekend, depending on availability.

Pay: (based on experience and degree)

• Associate/Diploma in nursing starting at $42.86 per hour
• Bachelor's in nursing starting at $44.34 per hour
• Master's in nursing starting at $45.82 per hour
• Pay range: $42.86 - $71.51 per hour

RN wages in Willmar are based on union rates

• Associate in nursing starting at $43.24 per hour
• Bachelor's in nursing starting at $43.61 per hour
• Master's in nursing starting at $45.79 per hour
• Pay range: $43.24 - $61.76 per hour

Benefits:

• Full-time benefits: Medical, dental, PTO, retirement, employee discounts and more!
• Tuition reimbursement and college grant programs available

Bonus Information:

• New hires can earn a bonus of $3,500 to $5,000, depending on the unit
• Relocation pay of $5,000 is available to eligible candidates

To be eligible for the hiring bonus you must be an external candidate who is hired into an eligible full-time or part-time benefited position. Previous employees qualify if they have not worked for CentraCare for at least 9 months at the date of hire. Relocation assistance requirements: Must accept a position that offers benefits and may not have worked for CentraCare in the last 9 months. Must currently reside more than 50 miles away and relocate to within 30 miles of primary work location within 120 days. CentraCare hiring incentives to include but not limited to, hiring and relocation bonuses may be discontinued at any time. 

CentraCare has made a commitment to diversity in its workforce and all individuals, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. CentraCare is an EEO/AA employer.