your path to purposeful nursing
empath's nurse residency program
Develop clinical expertise and compassionate care for every patient.
start your nursing career with purpose
and a powerful support system
At Empath Health, we know that stepping into your first nursing role is a big transition—and an even bigger opportunity. Empath Health's Nurse Residency Program supports newly licensed RNs with full-time, paid roles, benefits, and unmatched mentorship. You'll gain hands-on experience through classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical practice—all in a nurturing environment with a 3-to-1 resident-to-coach ratio.
Eligibility Requirements
nurse residency program
frequently asked questions
What will my schedule look like?
Months 1-6: Four hours of education each week, plus three 12-hour clinical shifts
- Months 7-12: Four hours of education monthly, with a schedule that mirrors the hospice team you'll join
Am I guaranteed a job when I finish the residency?
Yes! Upon successful completion of the program, you'll be placed in an open nursing position on a hospice care team.
What are the different areas of hospice care?
You'll gain experience across a variety of hospice settings including:
General inpatient units
Caring for patients in their homes
Assisted living facilities
Long-term care
Triage
Admissions
Crisis care
Where would I provide care to hospice patients?
Wherever our patients call home—whether that's a private residence, a long-term care facility, a hospital, or one of our hospice inpatient units.
Do I need medical/surgical experience before applying?
No. Medical/surgical experience is not required. Our nurse residency curriculum is designed to teach you everything you need, with hands-on support in clinical environments, skills labs, and simulation training.
Where does the residency training take place?
Training takes place at Suncoast Hospice sites in Pinellas County and Tidewell Hospice sites in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
When should I apply?
You can apply before graduating from an accredited nursing program, or if you've already graduated and have less than one year of experience as a registered nurse.
When are applications accepted?
Applications and interviews are accepted year-round.
Who leads the Nurse Residency Program?
Anita Smith, MSN, RN, is the Director of the Nurse Residency and Simulation Programs at Empath Health. With over 35 years of nursing experience and more than 20 years as a nursing professor, Anita is passionate about mentoring new nurses. She holds dual master's degrees in nursing education and administration and has published in the Journal of Trauma Nursing. Anita leads a team of educators committed to supporting your transition into hospice nursing with best practice standards, real-world learning, and unmatched encouragement and ongoing support.
Learn the Skills of Hospice Care
Empathy. Compassion. Care.
Nurse Residency Programs
Tidewell Hospice
Nurse Residency Program
The Tidewell Nurse Residency program offers a 12 month program that helps newly licensed RN's train in intimate settings in a 3:1 resident-to-coach setting with an experienced mentor. This program is designed to give nurses confidence and competence in empathy skills when dealing with patients and caregivers. Our residents provide care wherever our patients call home—whether that's a private residence, a long-term care facility, a hospital, or one of our hospice inpatient units.
The Tidewell Nurse Residency program is proud to be the only accredited hospice residency program in the country.
Suncoast Hospice
Nurse Residency Program
Designed for newly licensed RNs, the Suncoast Nurse Residency program offers a 12-month journey featuring small group training with a 3:1 resident-to-coach ratio and mentorship from experienced nurses. The program's goal is to strengthen nurses' confidence and empathy as they interact with patients and caregivers. Our residents provide care across diverse settings, including private residences, long-term care centers, hospitals, and hospice inpatient units, wherever patients call home.
