RMCHCS launches new graduate nursing program to hire locally

Regional Medical Center of McKinley County (RMCHCS) posted a New Graduate Nursing Program listing on its public careers page with a start date of January 6, 2026, signaling an active push to recruit newly graduated nurses into a structured pathway at the hospital that serves Gallup and McKinley County.

The single-entry listing identifies the position title as New Graduate Nursing Program, lists the location as RMCHCS, places the role within Nursing Administration, marks it full time, and shows the January 6, 2026 start date. The careers page places that entry at the top of current openings and provides Apply Now links for applicants seeking further position details and to submit materials. The webpage also lists multiple contemporaneous openings, including CT/MRI technologist roles, pharmacy positions, an emergency department director, grounds maintenance, and many registered nurse positions, underscoring a broader hiring effort in early January.

For residents and newly minted nurses in McKinley County, the move matters because RMCHCS is the primary acute care provider for Gallup and surrounding communities. A dedicated new graduate program can create a more reliable pipeline of locally trained nurses, reduce reliance on travel and contract staff, and improve continuity of care at a time when many rural hospitals contend with staffing shortages. Structured programs typically include orientation, mentorship, and unit-based training that help new nurses transition from school to clinical practice, though full program details were not shown on the single listing and are available through the Apply Now links.

Hospital staffing affects wait times, emergency department capacity, and availability of specialty services. Increasing the number of nurses recruited and trained through an in-house program can improve shift coverage for med-surg and emergency units and support retention by offering career development pathways. The concurrent hiring for CT/MRI technologists and pharmacy roles suggests RMCHCS aims to shore up several clinical areas that directly affect diagnostic and medication services for local patients.

If you are a newly graduated nurse interested in working at RMCHCS, check the hospital careers page and use the Apply Now links to view full job requirements and submit an application. Prepare licensure documentation, transcripts, and references commonly requested for graduate programs. Experienced nurses in the community may also consider applying to RN openings or volunteering mentorship to support new hires.

Our two cents? This is a welcome step toward stabilizing frontline care in Gallup—new graduates should apply early, and the community should back local hiring efforts to keep care close to home.