Registered Nurse New Graduate Winter 2026 Cohort St James Hospital $$10,000 SIGN ON BONUS

St. James Hospital is recruiting new graduate Registered Nurses for our Nurse Residency Program, a structured training program designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and confident clinical practice. This is an excellent opportunity to launch your nursing career with comprehensive mentorship, paid clinical training, and ongoing support.

You will work full-time on the night shift (36 hours per week) in one of two clinical areas: Medical/Surgical Telemetry or Medical/Surgical Pediatrics. St. James Hospital is the largest hospital in Southwestern Montana, serving a seven-county region with 98 beds, a Level III Trauma Center, and a Level II NICU.

Responsibilities

• Assess, recognize, and address patients' psychological and physical needs
• Foster quality of care with the best interests of patients and their families in mind
• Communicate compassionately and effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team
• Assist in developing individualized treatment plans
• Comply with evaluation, treatment, and documentation guidelines
• Oversee care delivered by LPNs and/or CNAs
• Participate in clinical team conferences
• Follow hospital, regulatory, and professional guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Utilize the nursing process through technology, therapeutic intervention, evidence-based practice, and coordination of care with other health team members

Nurse Residency Program

• Paid clinical training hours
• Interactive webinars and simulations
• Case-based learning experiences
• Weekly in-person sessions (transitioning to monthly after 6 months)
• Dedicated support from experienced nurse mentors

Required Qualifications

• BSN degree from an accredited program required within 4 years of hire (unless you have 15 years of acute care service)
• Current Montana Registered Nurse license
• BLS certification upon hire
• Graduation by September 15, 2026 (or already holding an RN license)
• Less than one year of RN experience

Additional Certifications Required

• ACLS certification required within 9 months of hire if assigned to ICU/ED
• PALS certification required within 9 months of hire/transfer if assigned to ICU/ED/5th Main
• TNCC certification required within 12 months of hire/transfer if assigned to ICU/ED; must maintain TNCC/ATCN or equivalent recognized by the American College of Surgeons

Preferred Qualifications

• National certification in area of practice

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time position: 36 hours per week, night shift
• Starting hourly rate: $33.38/hour
• Hourly range: $32.73 - $78.17 (actual rate dependent upon experience)
• Sign-on bonus: $10,000
• Benefits eligible: Yes

Physical Requirements

• Ability to see and read information, labels, and assess patient needs; operate monitors; identify equipment and supplies
• Frequent verbal communication with patients, families, and care providers; ability to hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergencies
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision; frequent computer use and typing for documentation
• Ability to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients; bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment of varying weights, up to and including heavy items
• Ability to walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients; push/pull gurneys and portable equipment; navigate crowded and busy rooms
• May be required to stand in a stationary position for extended periods

Location

• St. James Hospital, Butte, Montana

Application Timeline

• Cohort start date: September 28, 2026
• Manager interviews begin immediately as qualified applications are received
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission encouraged for best consideration