No two nursing journeys are alike—and the search for the RN specialty that gives you the greatest sense of purpose and satisfaction can feel a little like Goldilocks’s porridge problem. However, once you discover your “just right” specialty, our RN Fellowship is designed to help you confidently transition into it, equipping you with the core skills and knowledge you need to safely care for patients in your new role.

“When I work with Fellows, I’m hoping that they can go into a new specialty as an advanced beginner,” says Jennifer, Providence RN Fellowship Educator. “Our program provides a strong foundation and a steppingstone for nurses to be able to excel and grow in their field.”

How it works

Nurses across the Providence family of organizations who are interested in transitioning to a different nursing specialty are supported by the Providence Nursing Institute, our nationally accredited, evidence-based program for mentoring, career guidance and development.

Fellows go through the following process:

1. Pre-learning: Fellows start with online coursework on the University of Providence’s online learning platform to build foundational knowledge
2. Skills development: They learn essential skills in the classroom—taught locally by clinical educators from their home facility—and practice skills in simulation labs that provide a safe, realistic environment for learning
3. Hands-on experience: Fellows then provide direct patient care in their new specialty under the supervision of a trained preceptor and transition mentor

This blended approach supports different learning styles, prioritizes patient and nurse safety, and helps ensure a smooth transition into specialty roles.

The program:

• Is based on specialty-specific, nationally-recognized standards and current evidence.
• Incorporates ongoing feedback for continuous improvement.
• Is ANCC Accredited with Distinction and a member of ANCC’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP).

RN Fellowship specialties

With more than 24 specializations, fellows can choose to work where they’ll thrive most, allowing our nurses to grow and expand their skills while ensuring Providence best supports the communities we serve. Specialties include:

• Behavioral Health
• Care Management
• Cardiovascular Lab
• Critical Care
• Emergency Department
• Leadership and Nurse Management
• Medical-Surgical/Telemetry
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Obstetrics
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Perioperative Services
• Step-Down

One RN’s Fellowship journey: From L&D to Telemetry

Telemetry RN Cheryl proves it’s never too late to specialize. After 25 years in nursing—half of them with Providence in Eureka, California—she completed a year-long fellowship in Telemetry.

Cheryl says, “I originally came to Providence as a Labor and Delivery nurse many years ago. I eventually became a PICC and Infusion Nurse. I enjoyed that very much, and I wanted to level up so I could be a more well-rounded nurse. I applied for a job on our PCU in the Telemetry Unit. That’s when I was given the terrific opportunity by my manager to complete a year-long fellowship in Telemetry Nursing.”

Cheryl says she received support not only from her manager but also from her fellow caregivers. “The whole team here at Providence has been amazingly supportive. I was given excellent mentors, access to educators and the information that I need as a nurse at the bedside caring for a diverse population with a variety of needs. The education and orientation have been invaluable in helping me in my new role. Knowing that I always have the support of my colleagues to help me take good care of our patients helps me stay excited and motivated as a nurse.”

If you’d like to work at an organization committed to empowering you in the next phase of your nursing career, view all open fellowship roles.