RN Residency Program
Why Cone Health’s RN Residency Program?
The RN Residency Program builds on your fundamental nursing education by providing you a structured track specific curriculum with hands-on application. Our goal is to guide you in bridging the gap to professional practice as a Cone Health RN.
The employee-based entry-to-practice nurse residency program at Cone Health is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation). The program is the first and only North Carolina program that has the prestigious recognition.
The RN Residency Program lasts 12 months and consists of specialty track education, professional day workshops, and a mentorship. The first 14 weeks of the program are focused on track specific education and orientation on your clinical department, with each week totaling 36 hours. After the first 14 weeks, you will participate in monthly professional days and have designated time with a mentor from your specialty area.
Investment in your personal and professional growth through continuing education, clinical ladder, leadership training, a Career Development Center and tuition reimbursement. Join our team to see how have we accomplished this.
One Residency - Seven Specialty Track Options
Through education and support, the mission of our RN residency program is to transition new graduate nurses into professional practice to provide exceptional care. Our program is unique in that we offer seven different specialty track options for nurses to take when beginning their Cone Health nursing career. To discover more information about each track, click links below.
Work with Experienced Nurse Educators
Work closely with nurse educators and a team of RN Residency Facilitators who have a genuine passion for training nurses. You can feel confident that you’ll get the information and support you need to do your job well. Our nurse educators and facilitators have the knowledge and experience in the specialties they teach. They are committed to ensure you achieve clinical competency in your chosen specialty as you learn in the classroom and at the bedside.
RN Residency Mentor Program
Find understanding, inspiration and empowerment from a Mentor Leader — an experienced nurse who is not your direct supervisor. After completing the first 14 weeks of the Residency Program, every other month during your remaining first year as a registered nurse at Cone Health, you and a small group of your residency peers gather with your mentor leader for lunch, group discussion, fun team-building activities, and a community project.
Meet the Residency Coordinator
Taylor Wilson, Residency Coordinator
I began my journey with Cone Health in the spring of 2014 as a Nurse Technician at Annie Penn Hospital, working on the medical-surgical floor. In the fall of 2014, I earned my Associate of Science in Nursing from Rockingham Community College and successfully transitioned to the Registered Nurse role on the same unit after completing Cone Health’s New Grad Program. 
With a diverse clinical experience spanning from medical-surgical, critical care, and progressive care settings, I have dedicated several years to direct patient care, while also serving as a preceptor and mentor for new graduate nurses. In May 2021, I earned a master’s degree in nursing from Maryville University and took on the role of New Graduate Critical Care and Progressive Care Residency Facilitator.
In July 2025, I advanced to the position of New Graduate RN Residency Coordinator at Cone Health. Here, I can further my passion for guiding new graduate nurses as they embark on their professional careers. The residency team is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that helps ensure the success and growth of the next generation of nursing professionals.
Taylor Wilson MSN, RN, CCRN
Are you interested in learning more about our RN Residency program? Email us today at NursingRecruitment@ConeHealth.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements?
To qualify for the Cone Health RN Residency program, you must have graduated (or will be graduating) from an accredited nursing program and have passed the NCLEX prior to starting. We prefer a 3.0 or higher GPA but will consider applicants with a lower GPA.
Why should I become a Cone Health nurse?
Cone Health has been Great Place to Work-Certified™ for 2023-2024. The certification comes from Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture. The certification means that Cone Health meets or exceeds national benchmarks in workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation.
How do I apply?
With limited positions available in some specialty tracks, we encourage you to start the application process early. The application opens in September for our Winter RN Residency and in January for our Summer RN Residency. Click here for details about the application process. If you are a current Cone Health employee, please apply through the internal job opportunities link in SharePoint.
Why should I apply?
Enhance your skills and further your education and career with comprehensive and consistent support from experienced staff members, who are right here w/you living out the brand promise. Cone Health offers seven dynamic residency specialties that help Residents confidently make the transition from student to nurse, increase clinical knowledge, enhance clinical decision making and critical thinking skills, and continually grow through professional development opportunities during and after the Residency Program.
What does the interview process entail?
After submitting your application, a Talent Acquisition Consultant will reach out within a week to schedule a phone interview, followed by a second virtual video interview with the RN Residency facilitators and department leaders. Offers are extended 48 to 72 hours after the panel interview is complete.
How do I stand out during the interview?
Familiarize yourself with Cone Health, including our brand promise and values. Find a quiet spot to focus and don’t do anything else while on the call. Showcase your skillset. Share why you’re passionate about a career in nursing and your specialty area of interest. And If you know about a department because of a clinical, be sure to mention it.
How are RN Residents compensated?
Cone Health offers a competitive starting base wage; relocation assistance for eligible candidates; free parking; medical, dental, vision coverage; paid time off; tuition reimbursement after six months of employment; retirement account with employee match after one year; and on-site fitness centers.
What should I expect from the offer process?
Offers are extended 48 to 72 hours after the panel interview is complete. When considering your offers, remember to weigh more than just the unit you were offered and the pay rate. Consider Cone Health’s robust professional development, organization and positive team culture, future opportunities available, your goals and residency program quality.
What if I don’t get my preferred unit?
You don’t have to stay in the unit you are offered after your one-year Residency is completed. During your Residency, find opportunities to learn about other areas in which you may be interested. You are free to apply to any position of interest in the system after your one-year commitment is finished.
What happens after I have accepted an RN Residency position?
After accepting an offer, you will receive your offer letter and other documents from Talent Acquisition’s Onboarding team to begin the process of becoming a Cone Health RN Resident! Our team will work closely with you to help you navigate this process. We recommend that you take your NCLEX exam as early as possible to ensure that you are able to start the program on time. Our RN Residency team will then be in touch with you shortly before your start date to welcome you and provide information about orientation.
What can I expect after my RN Residency is complete?
You may choose to continue working in your unit or apply for another position within the system, and take advantage of continuing education opportunities and the Career Development Center.
