Nurse Resident Jobs for OPT Students
Nurse Resident positions are entry-level hospital roles designed for new graduate nurses completing clinical training. Many health systems sponsor OPT for these programs, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your nursing degree qualifies. USCIS authorization timing matters: your EAD must be valid before your start date.
See All Nurse Resident JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 472+ Nurse Resident jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 472+ Nurse Resident jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Nurse Resident roles.
Get Access To All JobsNurse Resident - RN
Location: Randallstown, MD
NORTHWEST HOSPITAL
SURGICAL/ORTHOPEDIC
Full-time w/Weekend Commitment - Day shift - 7:00am-7:30pm
STAFF NURSE RESIDENT
94580
$37.15-$57.58 Experience based
Posted: Today
Summary
Join a growing healthcare system at LifeBridge Health’s Northwest Hospital as a Nurse Resident on our Surgical/Orthopedic Unit.
- The hallmark of this innovative program is support. New nurses are provided individual and group support as they participate in classes, present cases, learn clinical skills and gain confidence in their abilities as valuable professionals.
- Clinical coaches work with new grads and their preceptors on a daily basis to navigate the clinical landscape.
- A life coach makes assessments and provides support for work-life balance, stress and other challenges that come with an exciting new role.
- The program is offered several times a year and coincides with graduations and completion of the NCLEX.
- The length of the program varies based on specialty area; class requirements; and participants' knowledge, skills and comfort level as they progress through orientation.
The Surgical/Orthopedic unit is a 40-bed unit that specializes in post-operative care for patients who have undergone general surgery, or plastic, joint replacement or spinal surgery. Patients on this unit may also require nonsurgical treatment for orthopedic injuries. This busy and challenging unit is staffed with professionals who have their entire focus on the care of the patient.
JOB SUMMARY: As a member of the patient care team, the RN provides safe, age-appropriate patient care and functions as an advisor and resource for patients and their families.
REQUIREMENTS
- Basic professional knowledge; equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, working knowledge of theory and practice within a specialized field. RN Diploma with relevant experience also accepted.
- Less than 1 year of experience.
- Maryland Registered Nurse License, American Heart Association BLS/CPR Certification.
Additional Information
Who We Are:
LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to “improve the health of people in the communities we serve.” Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.
What We Offer:
Impact: Join a team that values innovation and outcomes, delivering life-saving care to our youngest and most vulnerable patients.
Growth: Opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement and developing foundational skills for neonatal critical care leadership and advanced certification.
Support: A culture of collaboration with resources like unit-based practice councils and advanced clinical education support — improving both workflow efficiency and patient outcomes and allowing you to work at the top of your license.
Benefits: Competitive compensation (additional compensation such as overtime, shift differentials, premium pay, and bonuses may apply depending on job), comprehensive health plans, free parking, and wellness programs.
Why LifeBridge Health?
With over 14,000 employees, 130 care locations, and two million annual patient encounters, we combine strategic growth, innovation, and deep community commitment to deliver exceptional care anchored by five leading centers in the Baltimore region: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Grace Medical Center, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.
Our organization thrives on a culture of CARE BRAVELY—where compassion, courage, and urgency drive every decision, empowering teams to shape the future of healthcare.
LifeBridge Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
Nurse Resident - RN
Location: Randallstown, MD
NORTHWEST HOSPITAL
SURGICAL/ORTHOPEDIC
Full-time w/Weekend Commitment - Day shift - 7:00am-7:30pm
STAFF NURSE RESIDENT
94580
$37.15-$57.58 Experience based
Posted: Today
Summary
Join a growing healthcare system at LifeBridge Health’s Northwest Hospital as a Nurse Resident on our Surgical/Orthopedic Unit.
- The hallmark of this innovative program is support. New nurses are provided individual and group support as they participate in classes, present cases, learn clinical skills and gain confidence in their abilities as valuable professionals.
- Clinical coaches work with new grads and their preceptors on a daily basis to navigate the clinical landscape.
- A life coach makes assessments and provides support for work-life balance, stress and other challenges that come with an exciting new role.
- The program is offered several times a year and coincides with graduations and completion of the NCLEX.
- The length of the program varies based on specialty area; class requirements; and participants' knowledge, skills and comfort level as they progress through orientation.
The Surgical/Orthopedic unit is a 40-bed unit that specializes in post-operative care for patients who have undergone general surgery, or plastic, joint replacement or spinal surgery. Patients on this unit may also require nonsurgical treatment for orthopedic injuries. This busy and challenging unit is staffed with professionals who have their entire focus on the care of the patient.
JOB SUMMARY: As a member of the patient care team, the RN provides safe, age-appropriate patient care and functions as an advisor and resource for patients and their families.
REQUIREMENTS
- Basic professional knowledge; equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, working knowledge of theory and practice within a specialized field. RN Diploma with relevant experience also accepted.
- Less than 1 year of experience.
- Maryland Registered Nurse License, American Heart Association BLS/CPR Certification.
Additional Information
Who We Are:
LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to “improve the health of people in the communities we serve.” Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.
What We Offer:
Impact: Join a team that values innovation and outcomes, delivering life-saving care to our youngest and most vulnerable patients.
Growth: Opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement and developing foundational skills for neonatal critical care leadership and advanced certification.
Support: A culture of collaboration with resources like unit-based practice councils and advanced clinical education support — improving both workflow efficiency and patient outcomes and allowing you to work at the top of your license.
Benefits: Competitive compensation (additional compensation such as overtime, shift differentials, premium pay, and bonuses may apply depending on job), comprehensive health plans, free parking, and wellness programs.
Why LifeBridge Health?
With over 14,000 employees, 130 care locations, and two million annual patient encounters, we combine strategic growth, innovation, and deep community commitment to deliver exceptional care anchored by five leading centers in the Baltimore region: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Grace Medical Center, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.
Our organization thrives on a culture of CARE BRAVELY—where compassion, courage, and urgency drive every decision, empowering teams to shape the future of healthcare.
LifeBridge Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Nurse Resident
Target health systems with established residency programs
Large academic medical centers and regional hospital networks run structured nurse residency cohorts and are far more experienced with OPT authorization than small clinics. Prioritize employers with dedicated HR immigration support and a track record of hiring international new grads.
Confirm your start date aligns with your EAD validity
Nurse residency programs have fixed cohort start dates, often January, June, or July. Verify your OPT EAD covers that exact date before accepting an offer. Starting even one day before your EAD is valid is an unauthorized employment violation with serious immigration consequences.
Ask HR about STEM OPT eligibility before you apply
Some BSN programs classify under STEM-eligible CIP codes, which could extend your work authorization by 24 months. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO early. If you qualify, mention this proactively to employers, as it meaningfully extends the window before H-1B sponsorship is needed.
Disclose your OPT status clearly and early in the process
Nurse residency applications often move quickly through HR screening. Clearly stating your OPT authorization upfront saves everyone time and signals professionalism. Employers who proceed knowing your status are already self-selected as willing to work with international candidates, making the conversation much more productive.
Understand the timeline between offer and program start
Residency programs typically require several weeks for onboarding, background checks, and licensing verification before the cohort begins. Factor this into your OPT timeline planning. If your EAD application is pending, apply early enough to receive your card well before the program's required onboarding start date.
Research which states have faster NCLEX licensure processing
You cannot work as a nurse resident without a valid RN license, and state processing times range from days to several months. Choose states with faster endorsement or initial licensure timelines when job searching. This directly affects whether you can realistically start within your OPT authorization window.
Nurse Resident jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Nurse Resident JobsSee all 472+ Nurse Resident jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Nurse Resident roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as nurse residents in the United States?
Yes, F-1 students with an approved OPT Employment Authorization Document can work as nurse residents, provided the role is directly related to their nursing or healthcare degree. Your EAD must be valid before your start date, and the position must fall within your authorized field of study. You'll also need a valid RN license for the state where you're working before the program begins.
Do nurse residency programs typically sponsor OPT students?
Many large health systems and academic medical centers actively hire OPT nurses, but sponsorship practices vary significantly by employer. Hospital networks with formal residency cohorts and dedicated HR immigration teams tend to be most accommodating. Smaller community hospitals may lack the infrastructure to navigate OPT requirements efficiently. Migrate Mate lists nurse residency roles at employers experienced with international candidates, making it easier to filter for genuine opportunities.
Does a BSN degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the specific CIP code your university assigned to your nursing program. Some BSN programs qualify under STEM-eligible classifications, which would allow a 24-month OPT extension beyond the standard 12 months. Check with your Designated School Official to confirm your degree's CIP code before assuming you qualify. If eligible, apply for the STEM extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires.
What happens to my OPT if a nurse residency program delays my start date?
If your employer delays your start date, you're considered unemployed during that gap, which counts against your OPT unemployment limit of 90 days. You cannot begin working, even informally, until your EAD is valid and your official start date arrives. Notify your DSO immediately if your start date shifts, and confirm all paperwork is aligned. Extended delays close to your OPT expiration date can create serious authorization gaps.
Can I switch to a different nurse residency employer after starting OPT?
Yes, OPT allows you to change employers as long as the new role remains within your authorized field of study and your EAD is still valid. However, you must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days of starting the new position, and any gap between jobs counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. Transition carefully if you're close to your EAD expiration date, as a new position does not extend your OPT period.
See which Nurse Resident employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Nurse Resident Jobs