FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about eligibility, applying, personalized placement, preceptorship, and what comes after the rotation.
Can I apply directly to ASPIRE?
No. Applying begins with your school’s clinical placement coordinator. After confirming your eligibility, your coordinator submits a placement request through the ASPIRE portal. You will then receive the ASPIRE intake form and an invitation to interview with the ASPIRE Team.
My program requires a leadership, administrative, or observation-only rotation. Can I participate in ASPIRE?
ASPIRE is designed for hands-on bedside clinical rotations that include direct patient care. Leadership, administrative, and observation-only rotations do not meet ASPIRE eligibility criteria.
Can current Cedars-Sinai employees participate in ASPIRE?
Yes. Current Cedars-Sinai employees may participate when they meet all applicable eligibility requirements and their school’s clinical placement coordinator confirms that they can proceed. Current employment does not replace the school placement process or guarantee an ASPIRE placement.
How are the unit and preceptor selected?
ASPIRE coordinates a personalized match by considering your clinical interests, professional goals, readiness, and learning needs alongside unit capacity and preceptor availability. A particular unit or preceptor cannot be guaranteed.
What if I am unsure which clinical area is right for me?
The ASPIRE Team can help you explore your interests, experiences, goals, and learning needs during the intake and interview process. Nursing Professional Development practitioners will guide you toward clinical environments where you may be positioned to grow.
Will I work with the same preceptor throughout my rotation?
You will be paired with a primary preceptor whenever possible to support continuity, progressive learning, and consistent feedback. A secondary preceptor may assist when scheduling or staffing needs require it. Changes are coordinated with Nursing Professional Development practitioners to preserve a coherent learning experience.
How many clinical hours must I complete?
ASPIRE requires at least 90 hours of hands-on bedside clinical practice. You must complete the greater number of hours when your nursing school requires more than 90.
Can I participate if my school is not listed on the website?
The schools shown are those currently participating in ASPIRE. Participation may vary by school, campus, academic term, and clinical placement agreement. Ask your school’s clinical placement coordinator to confirm whether your program is currently eligible.
Can I participate if I have already graduated or hold an RN license?
No. ASPIRE is a prelicensure senior clinical experience for eligible nursing students completing their final academic term. Students who have already graduated or obtained an RN license, including licensed nurses enrolled in an RN-to-BSN program, are not eligible for an ASPIRE rotation. Graduates may explore the New Graduate RN Residency Program or other Cedars-Sinai employment opportunities for which they qualify.
Can I participate in ASPIRE if I do not plan to apply to the New Graduate RN Residency Program?
Applying to the New Graduate RN Residency Program is not a requirement for completing an ASPIRE rotation. However, ASPIRE is intentionally designed as a pathway from senior clinical experience into professional nursing practice and potential residency participation. Because placement opportunities are limited, ASPIRE is best suited for students who are genuinely interested in exploring a future nursing career at Cedars-Sinai. Interest in joining the Cedars-Sinai workforce may be considered along with eligibility, readiness, placement fit, unit capacity, and preceptor availability.
Can I complete my rotation in more than one unit?
No. ASPIRE is designed as an immersive experience in one assigned unit, ideally with one primary preceptor. Remaining in the same clinical environment allows you to become familiar with the patient population, staff, workflows, interdisciplinary team, policies, and expectations of the unit while building progressively on your learning. Your ASPIRE placement does not require you to apply to that same unit after graduation. You may apply to another unit that better aligns with your interests or career goals.
What happens if my ASPIRE unit is not hiring new graduate nurses?
You may apply to other Cedars-Sinai units that are accepting New Graduate RN Residency applicants. Your ASPIRE experience can still help you demonstrate familiarity with Cedars-Sinai’s care environment, professional expectations, interdisciplinary practice, and organizational culture. Completing your rotation in a particular unit does not guarantee that the unit will have an opening or that you will be selected for employment.
Does ASPIRE guarantee a specific placement, employment, or residency admission?
No. ASPIRE provides a supported senior clinical experience and helps students prepare for the transition into professional practice and a future residency application. Participation does not guarantee a particular unit or preceptor, employment at Cedars-Sinai, or admission to the New Graduate RN Residency Program.
Is ASPIRE the only pathway to the New Graduate RN Residency Program?
No. ASPIRE is one pathway that can help eligible senior nursing students prepare for professional practice. Participation in ASPIRE is not required to apply through other available New Graduate RN Residency pathways.