South Atlantic StaRN
Join our Talent Network
Skip to main content

Helping You Help Patients

To help new graduate nurses gain the experience needed to begin work in specialty areas, HCA South Atlantic Division has implemented StaRN, a Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses. This program focuses on Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Critical Care Nursing, Women's Services, ER, OR, Cath Lab and Behavioral Health.

featured-hcahealthcare-starn-logo-640x420-030422

Current Opportunities

Apply today to start your nurse residency!

How does StaRN work?

This program is 10-16-weeks simulation lab, on-site training, and online coursework. During the training time (first 6 weeks), the schedule will be Monday-Friday, with 40 hour work weeks (8- hour days). After this training period, the shifts will transition to 12 hours at the facility. Didactic and Simulation training are conducted onsite at most facilities. However some of our facilities have the training offsite.

All participants that successfully complete the program will move into full-time roles at the facility that extended the initial offer. All who are selected for this program will be asked to sign a 2-year commitment with the facility of hire. If the candidate leaves the facility for any reason before the 2-year commitment is fulfilled, they will be required to meet a financial responsibility.

National Standards, Proven Methods

Nurses who finish the StaRN Program will not only have specific, hands-on experience in their chosen specialties, they also will have achieved several certifications in areas including basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and the National Institute of Health’s Stroke Scale program. The program also uses the TeamSTEPPS® training developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Better, Faster Patient Care

Through the training and simulations, which include American Association of Critical-Care Nurses curriculum and six to seven weeks of clinical preceptorship, the new nurses are standing on their own much faster. With this additional training, patients are getting the benefit of experienced nurses.

Frequently Asked Questions

StaRN MedSurg/ICU FAQs

What is the StaRN Program?

The StaRN program is a unique educational opportunity to meet a critical need for specialty nurses. It is innovatively designed to provide intense post graduate training to newly licensed nurses. The paid 10-14 week program combines classroom instruction, a robust simulation experience and hands-on clinical training done at the hiring facility. Upon completion, the newly licensed nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skill set typically found in a more experienced staff nurse. The Program is designed for Med/Surg, Telemetry, Behavioral Health, and Critical Care Nurses. Separate training programs are available for other specialty areas.

What does StaRN stand for?

The acronym StaRN stands for “Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses.”

What is the program comprised of?

The program is comprised of a combination of didactic training, high definition simulation, eLearning days, facility days and clinical preceptorship at the sponsoring facility. StaRN is concentrated training prior to hospital employment. The newly licensed nurse is not only oriented to the facility in which he or she will be working, but is better prepared for a standard patient assignment upon successful completion of the 10- 14 week program.

What is the program content?

The program is based on the Mosby’s / Elsevier Medical Surgical core curriculum. Many of the division and/or facility specific training initiatives will be incorporated as well. Depending on the HCA Division, StaRN Residents will earn the following certifications based on the HCA Division Job Description Requirements: AHA BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale, and CPI Certification. Residents will also be introduced and trained on facility Electronic Health Record by HealthTrust and / or the facility education team. The participants must also successfully complete a didactic and Basic Dysrhythmia final exam.

When do the Residents become hospital employees?

All Residents will transition to the facility’s payroll following successful completion of the 10 ‐ 14 week StaRN program

How long does the program last?

The program runs for approximately 10 ‐ 14 weeks. The first six to seven (6‐7) weeks includes a combination of didactic education and skills, eLearning, facility days and simulation. The remaining four to seven (4 – 7) weeks is spent at the sponsoring facility working with a clinical Preceptor from the hiring facility.

How will Residents hours be classified for productivity purposes?

All Residents will be on HealthTrust payroll for the duration of the 10 ‐ 14 week training. At time of completion, the Residents will be transferred to the facility payroll.

Are the nurses paid during the training?

Yes, Residents are paid an hourly wage during the 10 – 14 week program. Residents are categorized as non‐exempt, temporary HealthTrust employees during the program.

What is expected of the Residents during the StaRN program?

All Residents are required to be present and on‐time for EVERY day of didactic, facility days, simulation and Preceptorship. There is a significant amount of instruction provided each day, and there is no opportunity for “make up” days in the StaRN program. All Residents are expected to come to class daily prepared with laptop, stethoscope, dressed appropriately, and with a professional, engaged and courteous attitude at all times.

What is the schedule of the StaRN program?

The schedule may vary slightly depending on market request, timing and resource demands. Typically the program includes the following:

  • Medical Surgical/Telemetry/BH/Step-Down/Critical Care nurses
    • Includes 6 weeks didactic/simulation instruction:
      • Classroom, Skills, Certification Days
      • Independent Study Days to Complete online requirements
      • Simulation Days
      • Facility Days and Facility Monday
    • MST- Includes 4 weeks of Clinical Preceptorship
  • Critical Care / BH
    • Includes 7 Weeks of instruction where additional, specialty specific training is conducted.
    • ICU - Includes 7 weeks of Clinical Preceptorship
    • BH – Includes 6 weeks of Clinical Preceptorship

 

Who are the preceptors?

The Preceptors are selected by the hiring manager at the facility. Depending on the market, the Preceptors may attend a 4 hour orientation program sponsored by HealthTrust. The orientation is designed to introduce the Preceptors to the StaRN program, content and expectations during Preceptorship. The Resident and Preceptor spend time together reviewing behavior, interpersonal, basic medical surgical knowledge, and basic math ability assessments that were completed by the Resident on the first day of the program. They also complete ntrinsx training to help recognize and appreciate personality strengths and preferences of self and others and improve communication for professional success. Depending on the market, the Preceptors are also provided with the AACN Preceptor Challenge Course available online through our learning center platform

Where will the training be conducted?

 

  • Didactic / Skills classroom instruction will be held at a centrally agreed upon location (facility training room, hotel, or college classroom)
  • Simulation is typically held at the sponsoring facility in a closed unit or adjacent office building, or partner with local simulation center in the market (usually physician training center).
  • Facility Days will be held at the sponsoring facility for each resident.

 

How are candidates selected?

The sourcing and recruiting of candidates will be the responsibility of the facility and recruitment team. Once interviewed and selected, HealthTrust will begin the on‐boarding process to include background screen and license verification. The facility will complete the normal health information / requirement screening as well as the drug screening and forward to HealthTrust when completed.

Do the Residents pay for the program?

No. The hospital pays a placement fee that covers the cost of the StaRN program for the Residents.

Is there a facility commitment following the training?

Depending on the market, some participating nurses make a two‐year commitment to work at the sponsoring hospital. Residents may be obligated to repay a pro‐rated portion of the educational costs should they break that commitment.

Does a candidate need to have their nursing license to enter the program?

Upon entering the StaRN program, all candidates MUST have their ATT letter to sit for their licensure exam (at a minimum). It is strongly preferred (and required in some markets) for candidates to have already have tested and have their license.

StaRN ED FAQs

What is the StaRN ED Program?

The StaRN ED program is a unique educational opportunity to meet a critical need for ED specialty nurses. It is innovatively designed to provide intense post graduate training to newly licensed nurses. The paid 16‐week program combines classroom instruction, a robust simulation experience and hands‐on clinical training done at the hiring facility. Upon completion, the newly licensed nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skill set typically found in a more experienced staff nurse. The Program is designed Emergency Department Nurses, separate training programs are available for other specialty areas.

What does StaRN stand for?

The acronym StaRN stands for "Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses."

What is the program comprised of?

The program is comprised of a combination of didactic training, high definition simulation and clinical preceptorship at the sponsoring facility. StaRN ED is concentrated training prior to hospital employment. The newly licensed nurse is not only oriented to the facility in which he or she will be working, but is better prepared for a standard patient assignment upon successful completion of the 16 week program.

What is the program content?

The program is based on the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Emergency Nursing Orientation core curriculum. Many of the division and/or facility specific training initiatives will be incorporated as well. Learners will be BLS, ACLS, ENPC, PALS, TNCC, NIH Stroke Scale and CPI certified. Learners will also be introduced and trained on facility Electronic Health Record by HealthTrust and / or facility education team. The participants must also successfully complete a didactic and Basic Dysrhythmia final exam.

When do the learners become hospital employees?

All learners will transition to the facilities payroll following successful completion of the 16-week StaRN ED program.

How long does the program last?

The program runs for 16 weeks. The first eight weeks includes a combination of didactic education and simulation. The remaining eight weeks is spent at the sponsoring facility working with a clinical preceptor from the hiring facility. 

How will learner hours be classified for productivity purposes?

All learners will be on HealthTrust payroll for the duration of the 16 week training. At time of completion, the learners will be transferred to the facility payroll.

Are the nurses paid during the training?

Yes, learners are paid during the 16 week program. Learners are categorized as non‐exempt, temporary HealthTrust employees during the program.

What is expected of the learner during the StaRN ED program?

All learners are required to be present and on‐time for EVERY day of didactic, simulation and preceptorship. There is a significant amount of instruction provided each day, and there is no opportunity for “make up” days in the StaRN ED program. All learners are expected to come to class daily prepared with laptop, stethoscope, dressed appropriately, and with a professional, engaged, and courteous attitude at all times.

 

What is the schedule of the StaRN ED program?

The schedule may vary slightly depending on market request, timing and resource demands. Typically the program includes the following:

  • Emergency Department nurses
    • 8 weeks didactic instruction includes:
      • 25 Classroom, Skills, Certification Days
      • 15 Independent Study Days to Complete online requirements
      • 9 Simulation Days
      • 1 Facility Day – orientation / access / floor introduction
    • 8 Weeks of unit based Clinical Preceptorship

Who are the preceptors?

The preceptors are selected by the hiring manager at the facility. The preceptors must attend a 4 hour orientation program sponsored by HealthTrust. The training is designed to introduce the preceptors to the StaRN ED program, content and expectations during preceptorship. The learner and preceptor spend time together reviewing behavior, interpersonal, basic medical surgical knowledge, and basic math ability assessments that were completed by the learner on the first day of the program. They also complete Ntrinsix training to help recognize and appreciate personality strengths and preferences of self and others, and improve communication for professional success. The Preceptors are also provided with the AACN Preceptor Challenge Course available online through our learning center platform.

Where will the training be conducted?

  • Didactic / Skills classroom instruction will be held at a centrally agreed upon location (facility training room, hotel, or college classroom)
  • Simulation is typically held at the sponsoring facility in a closed unit or adjacent office building, or partner with local simulation center in the market (usually physician training center).

How are candidates selected?

The sourcing and recruiting of candidates will be the responsibility of the facility and recruitment team. Once interviewed and selected, HealthTrust will begin the on- boarding process to included background screen, license verification, and drug screening. The facility will complete the normal health information / requirement screening and forward to HealthTrust when completed.

Do the learners pay for the program?

No. The hospital pays a placement fee that covers the cost of the StaRN ED program for the learners.

Is there a facility commitment following the training?

The participating nurses make a two-year commitment to work at the sponsor hospital. Learners will be obligated to repay a pro-rated portion of the educational costs should they break that commitment.

Does a candidates need to have their nursing license to enter the program?

Upon entering the StaRN ED program all candidates MUST have their ATT letter to sit for their licensure exam (at a minimum). It is strongly preferred (and required in some markets) for candidates to have already have tested and have their license.

StaRN OR FAQs

What is the StaRN Perioperative Program?

The StaRN Perioperative Nurse Specialty Program is a unique educational opportunity to meet a critical need for Perioperative Surgical Nurses. It is innovatively designed to provide intense post graduate training for newly licensed nurses. The paid 22‐week program combines blended learning with 22 weeks of Didactic, Demonstration/Return Demonstration, Skills Practice, Case Studies, eLearning, and Clinical Preceptorship with Rotations in the Operating Room/Surgical Suite. Upon completion, the newly licensed nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skill set typically found in a more experienced staff nurse. The Perioperative Nurse Program is designed for Perioperative Nurses; Separate training programs are available for other specialty areas.

What does StaRN stand for?

The acronym StaRN stands for "Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses."

What is the program comprised of?

The program is comprised of a combination of didactic training, hands‐on skills labs, on line education through the AORN Periop 101 Course, hands‐on clinical training, and clinical preceptorship at the sponsoring facility. The StaRN Perioperative Nurse Specialty Program is concentrated training prior to hospital employment. The newly licensed nurse is not only oriented to the facility in which he or she will be working, but is better prepared for a standard patient assignment upon successful completion of the 22 week program.

What is the program content?

The program is based on the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Perioperative 101: A Core Curriculum. Facility specific training initiatives will be incorporated into this comprehensive training program as well. Residents will be BLS and ACLS certified. Residents will also be introduced and trained on the Facility Electronic Health Record by HealthTrust, along with the facility education team. The participants must also successfully complete a didactic AORN Final Examination.

When do the Residents become hospital employees?

All residents will transition to the facilities payroll typically between the 10th and 22rd week of the program.

How long does the program last?

The program length is 22 weeks. The first ten (10) weeks includes a combination of didactic education, online learning, and hands‐on clinical training in the Hospital Operating Room/Surgical Suite. The remaining twelve (12) weeks is spent at the sponsoring hospital working with an experienced clinical preceptor from the hiring facility.

How will residents hours be classified for productivity purposes?

All residents will be on HealthTrust’s payroll for the duration of the 22 week training. At time of completion, the residents will be transferred to the sponsoring hospital payroll.

Are the nurses paid during the training?

Yes, residents are paid an hourly training wage during the 22 week program. Residents are categorized as non‐exempt, temporary HealthTrust employees during the program.

What is expected of the Resident during the StaRN Perioperative Program?

All residents are required to be present and on‐time for EVERY day of didactic, hands‐on skills/training and preceptorship. There is a significant amount of instruction provided each day, and there is no opportunity for “make up” days in the StaRN Perioperative Nurse Specialty Program. The resident is expected to come to class daily prepared with laptop, stethoscope, professionally dressed with an engaged, positive, and courteous attitude.

What is the schedule of the StaRN Perioperative Program?

The schedule may vary slightly depending on market request, timing and resource demands. Typically the program includes the following:

  • Perioperative Nurse Specialty Program:
    • 10 weeks didactic, online learning, and hands-on instruction includes:
      • Classroom and Skills Practice
      • ECG/BLS/ACLS Certification
      • Independent Study Days
      • 1 Facility Day – General Hospital/Perioperative Orientation
    • 12 weeks of OR unit-based Clinical Preceptorship, including the ON-Call Training while in clinical preceptorship.
    • Please note that due to training room availability, there may be weekend and evening classes during the first eleven weeks of the program.

Who are the preceptors?

The preceptors are selected by the hiring manager at the sponsoring hospital. The preceptors must attend a preceptor orientation program sponsored by HealthTrust. The training is designed to introduce the preceptors to the StaRN Perioperative Program, Content and Expectations during preceptorship. The resident and preceptor spend time together reviewing behavior, interpersonal, basic medical surgical knowledge, and basic math ability assessments that were completed by the resident on the first day of the program. They also complete ntrinsix training to help recognize and appreciate personality strengths and preferences of self and others, and improve communication for professional success.

Where will the training be conducted?

  • Didactic / Skills Classroom Instruction will be held at a centrally agreed upon location (facility training room, hotel, or college classroom)
  • Hands-On Clinical Training is typically held at the sponsoring hospital or affiliated outpatient surgery center within the market.

How are candidates selected?

The sourcing and recruiting of candidates will be the responsibility of the facility and recruitment team. Once interviewed and selected, HealthTrust will begin the on- boarding process to included background screen and license verification. The facility will complete the normal health information / requirement to include a Drug Screen and forward to HealthTrust when completed.

Do the residents pay for the program?

No. The hospital pays a placement fee that covers the cost of the StaRN Perioperative Program for the residents.

Is there a facility commitment following the training?

The participating nurse will make a two-year commitment to work at the sponsor hospital. The newly licensed RN Learner will be obligated to repay a pro-rated portion of the educational costs should the learner break that commitment.

Does a candidates need to have their nursing license to enter the program?

Upon entering the StaRN Perioperative Nurse Specialty Program, the candidate MUST have obtained the RN License, prior to acceptance into the program.

FAQs for StaRN Learners

What is the schedule for the program?

The schedule may vary slightly depending on market request, timing and resource demands. The first 6 to 7 weeks of the program occur in a classroom setting. The first 6 to 7 weeks will be day shift hours Monday-Friday. The specific hours will vary depending on the course topic.

When will I receive benefits?

The learner will become benefit eligible effective the first day on facility payroll. The learner will receive a benefit packet via mail and/or email from BConnected.

Will I receive shift differentials?

The learner will receive shift differentials once the transfer to the facility occurs.

Is there a facility commitment following the program?

Yes, the learner will commit to working for 2 years in a full time capacity for the facility. The Learner will be obligated to repay a pro-rated portion of the educational costs should they break that commitment.

Will I receive PTO (Paid Time Off)?

The learner will begin accruing PTO once transferred to the facility payroll. The learner must reach 90 days of employment before using PTO.

Can I transfer to another HCA facility?

The learner will need to check with their current facility and review the transfer policy.

Get job notifications based
on your interests

Join our Talent Network