At UCLA Health, we’re passionate about getting your nursing career off to a great start and we’re excited to see your promising future unfold. Our Nurse Residency and Operating Room Training Programs provide you with a strong foundation on which to build a nursing career of genuine significance where you’ll make a profound difference in every life you touch.
We have incredible options for new graduates. We’re proud to invest in ambitious new nurses – from this level and throughout the rest of their careers. That’s rare. That’s special.
– David Bailey, CNO
NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM
If you have a passion for nursing excellence and want to grow your clinical competencies and confidence, the UCLA Health Nurse Residency Program will enable you to build on your nursing education while you get the support and guidance you need for success.
A Big Step Forward – From Classroom to Care at UCLA Health
New Beginnings – Turning Education into Excellence at UCLA Health
FIND YOUR COHORT
Choose your anticipated graduation date from your BSN or MSN program to see the cohorts you can apply for, their application windows, and start dates.
Note: You may be eligible for more than one cohort dependent on your graduation date.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
EXPERIENCE OUR PASSION
Do you want the inside scoop about what it’s really like to work at UCLA Health? Hear directly from some of our employees.
CLARISSA C.
NICU RN, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
“The Nurse Residency Program distinguishes itself through rigorous evidence-based curriculum, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to professional development. The program is deeply embedded within a Magnet®-designated academic medical center, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and mentorship from highly esteemed clinicians and scholars.”
ISABELLA P.
OR RN, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
“One of my long-term career goals is to specialize in cardiovascular surgery and gain more exposure to organ transplants. UCLA Health has the largest combined heart-lung transplant program on the West Coast. I joined the residency program because of the technological advancements and the unmatched platform UCLA has to educate new students.”
RANDY L.
Clinical Nurse Manager, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Intermediate Care Unit
“The Nurse Residency program provided a strong foundation in nursing practice that set me up for long-term success. It helped me build solid clinical skills while also developing my leadership abilities. This foundation allowed me to take advantage of numerous opportunities at UCLA Health, including participating in professional governance councils, advancing through the clinical ladder, and ultimately becoming a manager—supporting and guiding nurses in delivering exceptional care to our patients and their families.”
KELSEY Z.
Telemetry Unit Director, 6th Floor, UCLA West Valley Medical Center
“UCLA Health’s Nurse Residency program is different from other programs in that the mentorship is truly exceptional, and our evidence-based practice projects create a strong foundation for clinical practice. Having joined the program as a new grad, the residency program launched my professional nursing career and exposed me to strong UCLA nurse leaders. My advice is this: The more you put into the program, the more you will get out of it. The sky is the limit! Building the skills to begin your nursing career will take your full attention, and giving your dedication to your learning and growth will accelerate your transformation into a nursing professional. Entering with a humble approach to new situations will ensure you give yourself the right amount of grace as you start your nursing career.”
ANGELINE L.
Orthopaedics Unit Director, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
“The Nurse Residency Program offers more than a transition to practice. It offers a clear pathway of learning, mentorship and advancement within an academic medical center. The Program emphasizes accountability, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. I now lead teams, mentor nurses, and support emerging nurse leaders – allowing me to give back to the program that shaped my professional journey.”
NIAZ D.
Acute Care Assistant Director, UCLA Nursing System Float Team
“The UCLA Nurse Residency Program is an exceptional opportunity that not only strengthens your clinical skills but also nurtures your growth as a leader in healthcare. It serves as a true stepping stone to long-term success, offering an environment where learning, collaboration, and innovation thrive.
Having entered this program after working as a Clinical Care Partner, I experienced firsthand how it empowers nurses to transition confidently into professional practice. Shortly after joining, I was able to step into a leadership role—something I attribute to the confidence and guidance this program instilled in me.
The UCLA Nurse Residency Program ignites your leadership potential and equips you with unparalleled clinical experience you won’t find elsewhere. It opens doors to opportunities you might never have imagined and sets the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful nursing career. I’m truly excited for all the future holds for you at UCLA!”
NURSE RESIDENCY & OPERATING ROOM TRAINING PROGRAM FAQs
For more information, please read the FAQ page and email HRNGORPrograms@mednet.ucla.edu or call toll-free: 1-310-267-3292 with any specific questions.
KEYS FOR YOUR SUCCESS
Thinking about applying to the UCLA Health Nurse Residency or Operating Room Training Programs? Becoming a standout applicant involves more than just submitting a strong resume and cover letter. It’s about building a foundation of meaningful experiences, demonstrating your commitment to the profession, and aligning yourself with UCLA Health’s values of excellence, compassion, and innovation.
Start Building Your Foundation Early
Take advantage of every opportunity to grow both clinically and personally. Seek out diverse clinical rotations, volunteer in healthcare settings, join student nursing organizations, participate in research or quality improvement projects, and engage in leadership or community outreach. These experiences not only deepen your knowledge and skills but also shape your understanding of what kind of nurse you want to become.
Reflect And Tell Your Story
As your nursing school journey concludes, take time to reflect on what drives you. What moments confirmed your passion for nursing? Which patient interactions had the greatest impact on you? What specialty excites you most and why? When it’s time to apply, your resume and cover letter should reflect this journey, showcasing your unique path, skills, and motivation.
UCLA Health looks for nurse residents who are compassionate, curious, and committed to lifelong learning. Demonstrating these qualities in your academic choices, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth will help you stand out. Show us how you’ve gone above and beyond, how you’ve made a difference, and how you’re prepared to thrive in our dynamic, team-based care environment.
Your Journey Starts Now
Every experience counts. Whether you’re leading a campus initiative, caring for patients during clinicals, or learning from mentors, you’re building your story. Prepare to apply to our program with purpose, and you’ll be ready to take the next step in your career with confidence.
The candidates who really stand out for us during the interviews are the ones who are able to convey the same passion they have written in their cover letter – the ones who express their motivations for going into nursing and share concrete examples of patient-centered, professionally mature clinical experiences during nursing school. We understand that candidates have varying levels of clinical experience, so what we really look for is the drive to give their best for our patients, no matter how demanding the residency program may be.
— Kathryne F.C., Unit Director 6ICU Neuro/Trauma ICU
Your nursing career is filled with opportunity, and we’re excited to be part of that journey now or in the future! If this is not the ideal time for you to participate in our Nurse Residency or Operating Room Training Programs, we encourage you to continue building your skills and experience as a registered nurse. When you are ready, explore the many roles we offer for experienced nurses. Your future at UCLA Health holds endless possibilities!
Awards & recognition
