After five years in Oregon, Julianne was ready to put down real roots. Raised in the countryside of Brazil, she’d dreamed of finding a place that felt like home and she found it in Tri-Cities, Washington.

It started with a work shadowing experience in Kadlec’s labor and delivery department. “I fell in love with the area and the hospital,” Julianne shares. Now, as a mom and RN Resident, she’s building a phenomenal career. Here’s her story.

Beginning her RN Residency at Kadlec

When Julianne began her RN Residency in Labor and Delivery, she was a bundles of nerves and excitement. But the Kadlec team quickly put her at ease. “I was very nervous,” she says, “but I was very excited to meet my preceptor as well. And I was received so nicely by the entire staff. They made the first day amazing. I was able to bond with my coworkers right away.”

What surprised her most? The level of support that she’s been given. Julianne has been able to learn through a combination of classroom sessions, simulations and authentic patient experiences with the support of experienced preceptors and mentors.

“I was expecting, you know, to have one perspective, but in fact, everyone will actually stop and help. I like to see how the team works together. Everyone is helping everyone,” Julianne shares.

Five tips for new nurses from someone who’s been there

Julianne knows it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when graduating from nursing school. She highly recommends applying for a residency program and offers the following advice:

1. Remember that you still have a lot to learn.
   “When you are fresh out of college, you think you know a lot,” Julianne admits. “But then when you go to a different area, or you transition to a different department, there are very specific policies, procedures and expectations. They vary from nursing-to-nursing scenario.”
2. Pay attention to your med-surg orientation.
   “I was surprised by how much med-surg is involved in my specialty,” she says. “I was a med-surg resident in Brazil before being a resident here, and I think med-surg is the basis of nursing. So definitely pay attention to your med-surg orientation.”
3. Ask questions and embrace feedback.
   Julianne says it’s important not only to be ready to receive feedback but also to give it. “Communicate openly about everything and anything that you’re worried about.”
4. Make time for self-care.
   Residency is demanding, so balance is key. For Julianne, that means spending time with her 10-month-old daughter, reading, hiking and exploring the area with family.
5. Keep your eyes on growth.
   Julianne views every day as a learning opportunity and she plans to continue to advance in her career. “I have my MSN in Brazil, and I do want to pursue a master’s in the United States because I want to advance in my practice,” she shares. “I think that the tuition reimbursement program here is amazing. That’s something I’m going to be looking into very soon.”

Learn more about RN Residency at Kadlec

If you want an RN Residency that gives you the tools, encouragement and hands-on experience to go from school to the floor with confidence, learn more about our program today. And don’t forget to sign up for our Talent Network or update your profile so recruiters can reach you with the right opportunities.