Question

how can we implement nurse residency programs?

Answer 1

Nurse residency programs are designed to support newly hired graduate nurses as they transition to their first professional nursing position. Residency programs focus on building decision-making skills, reducing burnout, developing clinical leadership, and incorporating research into nursing practice.

According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, “Nurse Residency Programs increase/improve newly licensed registered nurse job satisfaction, retention, and performance”.

Hospitals across the nation are challenged to meet the increasingly demanding educational needs of new nurses and to support their transitions to professional practice. Researchers have demonstrated that nurse residency programs facilitate the successful integration of nurses into the work environment, enhance their overall experience, and increase retention. Though nurse residency programs historically have been supported in large health care systems, they focus primarily on acute care. The purpose of this program was to develop a robust nurse residency program in a community specialty hospital by incorporating elements of exemplary nurse residency programs.

Implementation of the program included structures and processes of evidence-based nursing strategies for effective integration of knowledge, skill development, and retention. For effective integration of knowledge, an emphasis was placed on reflective practice in the form of journaling and round table discussion that facilitated learning and increased feelings of empowerment.

Skill development included ongoing educational meetings that provided the framework for expanded curriculum to bridge the gap between nursing school and professional practice as well as expanded looping rotations that fostered inter professional collaboration to enhance the continuity of care. Formal mentoring partnerships positively affected retention by promoting social integration, sense of belonging, and increased confidence.

Finally, the celebration of key milestones included a residency graduation that validated success, promoted pride, and renewed energy not only for the residents, but also for the experienced staff who contributed to the residents’ achievements. Outcome measures included increased nurse retention by focusing on a low nurse turnover of less than 5%. Qualitatively, nurse residents reported an enhanced sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Nurse resident feedback, evaluations of programs, and experiences provided essential information for continual evaluation and program improvement.

The innovative structures and processes of the nurse residency program grant new nurses the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful transition to professional practice in the delivery of quality patient care.