Stay tuned for the nest program opportunity.

This six-month full-time paid program is focused on providing the knowledge and competencies required for the professional perioperative nurse. It welcomes experienced RNs with no operating room experience, new graduates, or operating room nurses returning after an extended absence. Current Southcoast Health employees are encouraged to apply.

Participants will learn the theoretical concepts, principles and skills to care for patients in the perioperative setting, using the recommended practices established by the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN). The individuals who successfully complete the program will continue their nursing career at Southcoast Health in surgical operating rooms.

“I applied for the perioperative program because I wanted to be a part of a team and make a difference in patients’ lives. The best part of the program, to me, was building connections with fellow students and supporting each other along the way. For anyone considering applying, I say go for it – especially if you’re looking to join a great team!” – Kyle Duarte, Perioperative 101 Residency Training Program 2025.

The program begins on June 30, 2025.

The first six weeks consist of the didactic portion of the program which includes classroom lectures, skills lab practice and observational experiences in the operating room. This will follow with clinical rotations to the circulating and scrub roles working with a preceptor in various surgical specialties.

The following positions are available upon completion of orientation.

St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, MA

• Three 40-hour positions: Monday – Friday 8-hour days (variable start times) with on-call and holiday requirements   
• One 36-hour positions: Monday – Friday 12- hour nights (7pm-7am) alternating weekend 12-hour day (7am-7pm) or night (7pm-7am) schedule.

Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, MA

• Four 40-hour positions: Monday – Friday 8-hour days (variable start times) with on-call and holiday requirements

• A didactic portion of the class and written exam
• A hands-on scrub portion of program
• Clinical rotations competencies
• Positive feedback from preceptors and direct observation of instructors
• Submission of a completed clinical rotation checklist to the RN educator(s) at the conclusion of the rotation period

Minimum Requirements

• Current Massachusetts RN license/ Obtain Massachusetts RN License by September 2025
• Describe your motivation for wanting to become a perioperative nurse at Southcoast Health limited to 200 words
• Resume 
• BLS
• Reference contact

Congratulations to the 2025 Southcoast Health Perioperative 101 Residency Training Program Graduates!

The graduating nurses who completed the program are now moving on to full-time perioperative nursing positions across the system.

Hear what they have to say about this hands-on training experience:

“I first became interested in the perioperative program during nursing school, where I learned about the OR and the exciting advancements in surgical technology. I’ve loved the fast-paced energy of the program and how every day brought something new. For anyone considering the program, apply. It’s a fantastic program and a rewarding challenge.” – Sarah Berube, Perioperative 101 Residency Training Program 2025.

“My interest in perioperative care began when family members of mine underwent surgery for organ donation. Being in the surgical environment made it deeply personal for me. I appreciated the program giving us three weeks of shadowing in a surgical specialty and the incredible support from specialty leaders and others. If you’re considering the program, definitely apply! Everyone here is supportive, and while it may seem overwhelming at first, it’s an amazing experience.”- Amanda Marshall, Perioperative 101 Residency Training Program 2025.

“I chose to apply to the perioperative program because of my interest in surgery which was peaked after shadowing a surgical procedure in high school and experiencing OR clinical rounds in nursing school. I’ve loved watching surgeries and learning about different procedures. I knew I wanted to work in a teamwork-driven environment, and this was a great opportunity to do so. To anyone interested, I highly recommend applying.” – Gretchen Linhares, Perioperative 101 Residency Training Program 2025.