Cambridge Health Alliance Nurse Residency Program (Cambridge, MA)

disarrayofsunshine, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2021

@GoldenRN2022

What specialty did you interview for and got a residency in?

Did you decide on the Everett or Cambridge location?

I am curious as to how it went or how its going for you. I applied to CHA Residency program last Summer and had an interview, which looked promising, but was not one of the ones that got chosen.

Hope its going well for you.

GoldenRN2022, RN · Feb 1, 2021

Hi there, thanks for checking in. I applied for MedSurg and have been working at the Everett campus on a MedSurg/Telemetry floor. I couldn't find any info online about the difference between Everett and Cambridge so went with Everett because it's closer to me.

Turns out the main differences are that Everett only has 8 hour shifts (unless you're in the ED or ICU which does 12 hour shifts) and Everett has garage parking which is a huge benefit (whereas Cambridge does not provide parking). I guess the Cambridge campus is a bit more updated and has a nicer cafeteria though!

So far, things are going well. I like the floor I'm on, the majority of the staff have been great to work with and we have enough PPE. We have pretty updated equipment but it is a small community hospital so I'm not expecting it to be like MGH. This is my first nursing job so the biggest struggles for me are just learning the ropes, especially during the time of COVID as our floor is the designated covid floor. It's been hard but it's been hard for everyone. And 8 hour shifts are the worst but I take what I can get!

I hope you were able to find a position you like

slove2718 · Mar 9, 2021

@GoldenRN2022 I'm interested to know (if you don't mind sharing), how does the pay of this program compare to other new grad programs/traditional entry RN positions? Do you find it reasonable? Thanks!

GoldenRN2022, RN · Mar 19, 2021

I'm not sure the pay for other new grad programs, but I've heard they're notorious for not paying as well and not guaranteeing a position when it's over (or forcing you to sign a contract saying you'll work there for 1-2 years). The new grad program doesn't make you do any of that and guarantees a position. I think it pays well compared to other entry level positions IMO. I have heard some hospitals paying sub $30/hr or $25 (I've even heard new grad programs at major hospitals paying something crazy like $15/hr) but CHA does not. The only other hospital that I got an offer at where the pay was comparable and good was NSMC. But to answer your question, yes, I find it reasonable and I think it's a living wage if you're on your own or with roommates

RNklur, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2021

I just applied for this nurse residency about a week ago... has anyone applied recently and had a recruiter reach out? Having a heck of a time in the Boston area getting any interviews for new grad residencies! (Yes I know, very saturated market...)

slove2718 · Mar 20, 2021

@RNklur So when I applied a few weeks ago they had said that that Friday was the application date...but I've also seen it advertised a few times since then so maybe they extended the deadline? I had a recruiter reach out to me the next day after applying.

RNklur, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2021

9 minutes ago, slove2718 said:

@RNklur So when I applied a few weeks ago they had said that that Friday was the application date...but I've also seen it advertised a few times since then so maybe they extended the deadline? I had a recruiter reach out to me the next day after applying.

Great to know, thank you. I don't see any application deadline date and the post I applied via was only recently posted so hoping for the best!