Graduate Nurse Resident

Facility:
Cox Medical Center Branson: 525 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, Missouri, United States of America, 65616

Department:
1386 Nursing Admin Branson

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Hours:
Varied

Work Shift:
Rotating / Based on unit assignment (United States of America)

CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, five emergency rooms, and more than 80 clinics. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, innovation, and compassionate care, CoxHealth supports nurses at every stage of their careers, especially those transitioning from education into professional practice.

• Named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work five times.
• Named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek.
• Recognized as a Greatest Workplace for Women in both 2023 and 2024.
• Listed as one of the Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2024.
• Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.
• Ranked among the Best Employers by State for Missouri.
• Healthcare Innovation's Top Companies to Work for in Healthcare in 2025.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Retirement Plan with employer match, plus additional benefit offerings.
• Relocation assistance may be available to help ease the transition for new nurses.
• For a comprehensive list of benefits, please visit: Benefits | CoxHealth

Job Description:
The Graduate Nurse Resident position is designed for newly graduated nurses who are beginning their professional nursing careers. This role participates in CoxHealth’s Graduate Nurse Residency Program, a comprehensive, year-long program that supplements unit-based orientation and clinical education. The residency is structured to support the transition from student nurse to confident, competent professional nurse while fostering long-term career development within the organization.

The Graduate Nurse Residency Program emphasizes both clinical skill development and professional growth. New nurses receive guided support through classroom instruction, simulation experiences, hands-on clinical practice, and mentorship from experienced preceptors. The program focuses on building confidence, strengthening critical thinking, and promoting safe, evidence-based patient care in a supportive learning environment.

The residency transitions from a skill-focused orientation into broader professional development around the fourth month. Participants gain tools for effective communication, stress management, self-care, and leadership development, while also learning how to navigate long-term career pathways such as clinical ladder advancement and specialty certification opportunities.

Program Progression

• Phase I includes unit-specific orientation with classroom theory, clinical practice alongside an experienced preceptor, simulation training, and hands-on skills development. This phase varies in length depending on the assigned unit and may overlap with Phase II.
• Phase II focuses on the transition to professional nursing practice, offering additional skills training and professional development topics. Participation is mandatory, with classes offered at various dates and times throughout the month.

Residency Curriculum Includes:

• Patient and nurse outcomes.
• Continuous improvement and quality initiatives.
• Critical thinking, prioritization, and delegation.
• Stress management and self-care strategies.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Informatics and advanced Cerner clinical resources.
• Evidence-based practice and nursing research.
• Business principles and healthcare leadership.
• Long-term professional development opportunities.

Education:

• Required: Graduate of an accredited nursing program or NLN-approved program.

Experience:

• No prior nursing experience required.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and professionalism.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility and ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• Must take and pass the NCLEX exam within 90 days of nursing school graduation.
• BLS must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

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