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Your Questions Answered Below are answers to the questions we receive most often about applying to the Stanford Health Care Nurse Residency Program.
Resume  FAQ
Is there a limit to the length on a resume?
There is no limit to the resume

Is there a specific format for the resume?
There is no specific format for the resume.

What information do you recommend an applicant include in their resume?
  • Education
    • Include nursing education, degree, school and date of program completion
    • Include non-nursing degrees, school and date of program completion (if applicable)
  • Clinical Rotations
    • Nursing curriculum associated with each rotation 
    • Clinical location of each rotation
    • Number of Hours of each rotation
  • Work Experience
    • Job Title/Role
    • Employer
    • Time of Employment
    • Roles/Responsibilities
  • Military Experience
    • Branch of Service
    • Dates of Service
    • Roles/Responsibilities 
  • Volunteer Experience
    • Volunteer Title/Role
    • Agency/Supervisor
    • Number of Hours Volunteered
    • Roles/Responsibilities 
  • Leadership Opportunities
    • Describe leadership role/responsibilities 
    • Agency
    • Contact information

Can I share my work experiences even if they are not health care related?
Absolutely, many work experiences are transferable to healthcare.

Should I share my senior preceptorship experience even if it was not in adult medicine?
Yes, please share all of your clinical experiences.

What do I include if I am still completing my clinical hours?
Include all your information regarding the clinical location and use “In Progress” for your clinical hours.

What information should I share about my clinical rotations?
Please include your clinical rotation, location, and hours.

Do you give extra points for attending certain nursing schools? GPA? Degree? Clinicals at Stanford?
Our application takes a holistic approach. There are no application points associated with schools of nursing, GPA, Degree, or clinicals at Stanford Health Care.

Is all volunteer work acceptable?
All recent volunteer work is acceptable.
Cover Letter FAQ
Is there a limit to the length of a cover letter?
There is no limit to the cover letter, although one page is usually enough.

Is there a specific format for the cover letter?
There is no specific format for the cover letter or resume.

Who should I address the cover letter to?
You may address the cover letter to the “Nurse Residency Program” or “To Whom It May Concern”, either are acceptable.

Does Stanford read each cover letter, or do they use a software application to scan for key words?
We read each and every cover letter, resume, and application. We do not use any kind of software to assist us with this process.

Should my cover letter target a specific position/specialty area that I am interested in?
It is not necessary to target a specific position/specialty, but you are welcome to if you wish.
Stanford Related Questions 
Are Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital and Tri-Valley separate hospitals from Stanford Health Care?
Yes. We are 3 separate entities. 

Can I apply to Stanford Health Care, Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital and Tri-Valley's nurse residency programs or am I only allowed to apply to one?
Yes. We are 3 separate hospital systems and therefore 3 separate programs. Please apply to all 3 if you wish. 

Do new grads receive full benefits?
Yes. You are a full time permanent employee. You can learn more about our benefits here.

Is the residency program a paid position?
Yes. Nurse residents receive a competitive hourly wage in accordance with current Stanford Health Care compensation practices, plus applicable shift differentials for evenings (10%), nights (18%), and weekends (5%).

Do you reimburse for NCLEX or CA License fees?
No, we do not. 
General Application Questions
Can I choose my specialty area to work?
You will have the opportunity within the online application to select your top three areas of preference.

Is there a minimum or maximum word limit on the essay question answers? 
No. There is no limit and no recommended word count. 

Can I interview for more than one specialty?
You will only have the opportunity to interview with one specialty.

Is it manageable to be enrolled in a BSN-bridge program?
Being enrolled in a residency program as well as a BSN bridge program is manageable. Our recommendation is that residents entering a bridge program and hired within our residency program speak with their unit/department leadership teams.

If I have applied before but was not selected, can I apply again?
Yes, you may apply again keeping in mind the official graduation date is no greater than 18 months from cohort start date and you do not have more than 6 months or 1040 hours paid RN experience in any practice setting. 

Can I apply before I have my ADN/BSN?
Yes. Keep in mind you will need to have your degree and CA RN license prior to starting with us. 

Can I apply before I have my RN license?
Yes. Keep in mind, each cohort has a deadline to obtain your CA RN license. 

I cannot find the application?
If it is outside of the application timeline, you are unable to apply and will need to wait for the application cycle of the next cohort. 

If I am an out-of-state candidate should I take my NCLEX in California or my home state? 
We recommend taking it in your home state (quicker turnaround) and then applying for a temporary and perm CA RN license. The temporary RN licenses through the California Board of Nursing are good for up to 6 months.