RENO, NV - Some recent nursing graduates from all over the country are in Reno for a new program at Saint Mary's.

Those with the program say it was was very difficult to get into. In fact, only three of those who were accepted are from Nevada.

The 17 new graduates are already busy at work, they'll be working 12 hour shifts, shadowing a nurse for a couple months, then they'll slowly start to work on their own.

The new program is called "Registered Nurse Transition To Practice."It has been an idea in the works for the past two years.

The program was developed through a federal grant which supports nurse education, practice and retention.

Over a hundred and fifty graduates applied nationwide.

Sarah Thompson is one of three nursing students accepted into the program from Nevada.

"I'm so excited to the accepted into this program it's a great chance to transition from school and have the opportunity to work with excellent respected professionals in the community and have them teach you and learn from them and make that smooth transition where you come from school. You have more training and the opportunity to learn more then being put in the profession alone," says Thompson.

The new program will accept two more rounds of licensed RNs this year.

The chief nurse says this program is a great move forward not only for the graduates, but also for the hospital.