New Nurse Graduate Fellows: What to Expect

WakeMed requires all applicants and employees to complete an online application called a “profile”.  You may complete an online application by clicking here. Please be sure to apply to the job title listed as “Staff Nurse – New Grad Fellow,” not the Staff Nurse job titles in the different nursing areas.

WakeMed reviews all online applications/profiles.  You must meet the minimum qualifications of the position to be considered.  We receive a large volume of candidates who meet the minimum qualifications; therefore, for many positions, you must meet the preferred qualifications as well to be a top candidate.  If you are a top candidate selected for an interview with WakeMed, the Human Resources department or the department hiring manager will contact you to schedule an interview. 

Prior to your first interview you must:

• Complete an on-line application (profile)
• Have two reference letters from Clinical Instructors (no email references accepted)

During the Interview process:

• You must have your two reference letters in hand to give to your Recruiter during your first interview (letters must be in sealed envelopes).
• You will receive an information packet, which includes a brief overview of the Fellowship Program, WakeMed and our benefits.
• You will also sign release forms, authorizing WakeMed to verify your reference letters if needed and to perform a pre-employment criminal check.

If you are selected to receive a contingency offer from WakeMed, Human Resources will notify you.   All official offers must be communicated by Human Resources and include a salary quote.  A contingency offer means that the offer is contingent upon you passing the pre-employment process in order to begin work at WakeMed.  If you do not pass the pre-employment process for any reason, you will be disqualified from consideration. 

The pre-employment process includes: 

• RN licensure verification
• Successful Clinical Instructor references and criminal background checks
• Successful completion of the drug screen 
   

If you are an external applicant (are not currently employed by WakeMed), upon acceptance of a contingency offer from WakeMed, Human Resources will:

• Request your date of birth
• Schedule your drug test
• Discuss your start date
• Schedule you for Systemwide Orientation
• Mail you a packet of information, which will include:  An offer letter, instructions for orientation, direct deposit information, benefit summary, and forms that you will need to complete prior to orientation
• Immunizations:  Please bring any documented immunization records or laboratory confirmed testing of immunity (i.e. Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (measles), Mumps, Varicella (chicken pox), Tetanus, and Hepatitis B, or TB tests) completed within the last 12 months.  If  your TB test is positive, documentation of the positive PPD and/or copy of your chest x-ray results are needed.  If you do not have documentation of immunizations, immunizations may be administered.
   

For your drug test, you will go to Occupational Health and Safety Department (OH&S), which is located on the first floor of the Medical Office Building.  Please arrive on time.  The OH&S appointment will last approximately one hour.  Please do not bring children with you, as we cannot take responsibility for them while they are unattended during the process.  You must bring a current picture ID, which includes your picture, your name, valid expiration date, and your signature. 

When you pass the pre-employment process, you can begin your career at WakeMed Health & Hospitals! 

If you are an internal applicant (are currently employed by WakeMed), upon acceptance of a contingency offer from WakeMed, Human Resources will:

• Discuss your start date (you may be given 3 business days to consider the offer, if needed)
• Schedule you for Systemwide Nursing Orientation
   

All new RN Fellows are required to attend a general orientation program before reporting to their work area.  The orientation will provide valuable information about WakeMed policies and procedures, benefits, available services, work safety practices, and employee health and wellness.  Systemwide Orientation is generally held every Monday and Tuesday (except holidays), from 8:30AM – 4:30PM on the ground level of the Medical Office Building at the Raleigh Campus.

New RN Fellows:  You will need to bring the following documents to Systemwide Orientation:

• Your completed packet HR mailed with the offer letter  
• A license, if required for your position
• Original Social Security card, for the purpose of payroll,
• A voided check or deposit slip, and
• Original documents that prove your identity and you are eligible to work in the United States

Additional Comments about Systemwide Orientation:        

• A continental breakfast will be provided the first morning of Systemwide Orientation.
• Lunch will be provided the first day of Systemwide Orientation, or you may bring your lunch.
• The meeting room temperature varies so please dress in layers.
• The dress is business/casual attire.
• Complimentary employee parking is available in the visitor parking structure (P1), green coded.  
• Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to accommodate time to locate the training room, sign in and have time for refreshments.
• You will have your picture taken and your badge made the first day of orientation.
   

Nursing Orientation Day I (Wednesday)
All RN Fellows are required to attend Day I of Nursing Orientation (Orientation on designated Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).  Day I of Nursing Orientation is held in the Nursing Education Classrooms on the ground floor of the hospital (main building), Raleigh campus on designated Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Cary nursing staff will attend Nursing Orientation at the Cary campus.

Nursing Orientation Day II (Thursday)
All RN Fellows will attend Day II of Nursing Orientation on designated Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Pharmacology exam is administered on Thursday. 

Department-Specific Orientation:  You will also receive department orientation specific to your area and job responsibilities.  Your department leader will schedule this training.

If you have questions regarding the New Nurse Graduate Fellows Program, please contact the Human Resources front desk at 919-350-8140 or call toll-free at 877-213-3720.