New Graduate Registered Nurse Residency - Fort Smith

Find your calling at Mercy!

Mercy Fort Smith, Arkansas offers a transition-to-practice Nurse residency program designed to support the newly licensed nurses as you transition from student to confident and independent professional nursing practice. This structured, evidence-based program offers comprehensive and individualized department orientation, hands-on clinical training and ongoing mentorship to ensure a smooth and successful entry into your professional career. The program provides collaboration with experienced preceptors, targeted educational sessions, and a supportive environment that fosters critical thinking, clinical judgment, and professional growth.

Position Details:

Mercy Fort Smith New Graduate RN ResidencyApply Today!

Key Details

Program Start Date: We have residency cohorts starting on the upcoming dates:

• February 16, 2026

• July 06, 2026

Duration: The program lasts one year, providing extensive support and training to help new nurses navigate their first year in practice and prepare them for a lasting and fulfilling professional career.  

Opportunities: We provide new graduate placement within the following departments:

• Cardiac

• Critical Care/ICU Stepdown

• Critical Care/Medical ICU

• Emergency Department

• Labor & Delivery

• Medical Surgical

• Medical/Telemetry

• Mother/Baby

• Neuro

• NICU

• Observation

• Oncology

• Ortho

Eligibility:

• Required Experience - 12 months or less of nursing experience

• Required Education  - Nursing Degree from an accredited school

• License – Temporary Nursing Arkansas license or nursing compact license 

• Certifications – Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association

We Offer Great Benefits:

Day-one comprehensive health, vision and dental coverage, PTO, tuition reimbursement and employer-matched retirement funds are just a few of the great benefits offered to eligible co-workers, including those working 32 hours or more per pay period!

• $20,000 Loan Forgiveness Available

• Up to $2,000 annually in Tuition Assistance

• Eligible for Premium Pay Program 

• Shift Differential Pay

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.