New Graduate RN Residency

The New Graduate RN Residency program at Fred Hutch Cancer Center is uniquely designed to support the transition of new graduate RNs into ambulatory oncology nursing and is open to all nurses who have less than one year of experience and are passionate about starting their nursing career in oncology at Fred Hutch.

Upon completion of the residency program, RN residents will be well-equipped to provide skilled and compassionate oncology care to a variety of patients.

 

Program Components

The year-long New Graduate RN Residency Program consists of the following components:

Pre-Clinical Onboarding

  • Centralized orientation to Fred Hutch and the oncology nurse role
  • Foundational oncology and research education from Fred Hutch’s Education Department, Oncology Nursing Society, and CITI Program
  • Specialty-specific didactic education and hands-on skills training

Unit Orientation

  • Clinical training alongside designated unit preceptors
  • Regular check-ins with the residency team, unit educators, and department leaders to support clinical competence, progress toward orientation objectives, and professional transition to practice
  • Reflective practice through bi-weekly journal submissions
  • Dedicated two hours of independent study time each week
  • RN Residency Seminars to develop clinical competence and transition from nursing student to practicing nurse

Supporting Independent Practice

  • RN Residency seminars focused on profession development and leadership development  
  • Complete evidence-based practice project

Eligibility

To be eligible for the New Graduate RN Residency program, candidates must:

  • Have completed an accredited nursing program (Associate Degree or higher)
  • Be newly licensed with less than one year of RN experience
  • Obtain a Washington State RN license prior to start date 
  • Obtain an active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to start date
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development to modify services to age and development stage of the patient
  • Demonstrate awareness of the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social domains of care delivery
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of patient privacy rights

Ideal Candidates

We prioritize hiring new graduate nurses who support Fred Hutch’s mission to prevent and eliminate cancer and infectious disease. Ideal candidates share Fred Hutch’s commitment to the urgency of our patients, the hope of our community, and our passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for every person in every community.

We seek individuals who are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in their care of Fred Hutch patients, families, and staff.

Other preferred qualifications of ideal candidates will be considered:

  • BSN or higher in nursing from an accredited school
  • Experience in oncology, immunotherapy, and/or blood and marrow transplant during a student practicum or previous employment

Application Timeframe

 Process

 August 2025 Cohort

 Application Available 

 April 7, 2025

 Washington State RN License Deadline

 Friday, August 1, 2025 by 2 p.m.

 Start Date

 Monday, August 18, 2025

*Dates are subject to change and will be updated as necessary.

Application Process

  1. Submitted applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, please apply early!
  2. Qualified applicants will be selected to complete a phone screen with a recruiter. During the phone screen, you will discuss the departments and roles that are hiring RN residents and discuss your interests.
  3. Top candidates will be invited to participate in an interview with the RN Residency educators and department managers. 
  4. Candidate selection and placement in the RN residency program is determined by individual qualifications, mutual interest in the department or specialty, and position availability.

Application Considerations

  • Be ready to apply as soon as the application window opens. The application process moves quickly. Applications or resumes submitted after the availability window will not be accepted.
  • Reflect on your clinical experiences and former work experiences. Be prepared to share specific examples of your clinical experience and compassionate care of your patients in your interview. We look forward to learning about what draws you to oncology nursing!
  • Applicants may apply to the residency prior to graduation but must graduate, pass the NCLEX, and have a Washington State RN license prior to starting. Refer to the application timeline for licensure deadlines for each cohort. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our RN Residency team is happy to help as you start your nursing career at Fred Hutch. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please email the New Graduate RN Residency program (education@fredhutch.org).

Applying and Hiring

Please review the sections on eligibility and ideal candidates for required and preferred applicant qualifications.

Please include this information on your resume to help us better understand your experience and qualifications:

  • Nursing program and graduation month and year (or expected graduation month and year)
  • Specific nursing clinical rotations, including specialty, facility, and hours completed
  • Previous work experience, especially in healthcare or customer service settings
  • Other relevant education, certifications, or volunteer experiences

Cover letters are not required of applicants, however, you are welcome to provide a cover letter if you wish to offer more information on what draws you to oncology nursing and Fred Hutch as you begin your nursing career.

New graduate nurses should apply to the Registered Nurse Resident listing posted on the Fred Hutch website during the available applications dates for each cohort. Specific positions available in each cohort will vary and will be specified in the job posting for that cohort.

Candidates who are not selected may apply for future cohorts if they continue to meet eligibility criteria for the residency program.

Positions available in each cohort will vary and will be specified in the job posting for that cohort. New graduate nurses have previously completed residencies in Apheresis, General Oncology Clinics, Hematology Clinics, Infusion, Blood and Marrow Transplant, and Procedure Suite.

Each cohort we receive many applications from highly qualified candidates, and the selection process is very competitive. While prior clinical rotations or work experience at Fred Hutch are considered, they do not guarantee a residency position . 

Time Commitment and Work Expectations

All RN residents are required to work full-time (40 hours per week) for their residency orientation. Entering the ambulatory oncology setting is a rigorous, full-time commitment and we do not allow part-time employment during the orientation period. Full-time employment is strongly encouraged for the first 12 months following orientation and any changes to FTE are at the discretion of department managers.

  • During your first 2 weeks of centralized onboarding, all residents will work Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • During the unit orientation, residents are paired preceptors and will be assigned shifts to mirror their designated preceptors’ schedules. Department operating hours vary, and RN residents may be assigned to work five 8-hour shifts per week, four 10-hour shifts per week, or a combination of shift lengths. You may be required to work some evenings, weekend shifts, and holidays, with earliest shifts starting at 6:45 a.m. and latest shifts ending at 10:15 p.m. You can ask your recruiter about unit-specific operating hours. This information will also be discussed in the interview and selection process.
  • After orientation, full-time employment is strongly encouraged for the first 12 months to support further knowledge and skill acquisition and a successful transition to practice. Once orientation is completed, any changes to hours, schedule, or FTE are at the discretion of the department manager.