Nurse residency programs aim to provide recent graduates with the support needed to stay. But do they actually make a difference?
As you near the start of your career, we’ll delve into what nursing students need to know to decide whether to participate in one.
What is a Nurse Residency Program?
New grad nurse residency programs combine classroom instruction specific to your specialty with hands-on application. You also receive supervision and mentorship from experienced nurses, known as preceptors.
Programs last six to twelve months, accepting nurses who:
- Graduated from an accredited nursing school less than a year before applying. Employers prefer candidates with a BSN.
- Hold a valid RN license in the state where they will work.
Units that commonly offer a nurse residency program include:
- Emergency departments
- Medical-surgical
- Critical care
- Pediatric
The programs look to:
- Familiarize recent hires with the specific policies, procedures, and technologies within their department
- Expose them to complex patient problems such as uncommon diagnoses
- Identify and address any clinical knowledge gaps
- Reduce turnover and cut down on recruiting costs
- Improve the patient experience and outcomes
Pros and Cons of Nurse Residency Programs
As a soon to be professional, you can benefit from a nurse residency program in a number of ways.
Decreasing burnout
A survey from the American Nurses Foundation found 69 percent of nurses under the age of 25 reported feeling mentally and physically exhausted and or cynical about the job.
Research shows burned out employees to be more likely to seek another job – or quit.
The mentorship and collaboration facilitated through nurse residency programs can mitigate some of the causes of burnout such as high stress and lack of support.
According to Vizient and the American Association of Colleges of Nurses, 89 percent of recent graduates who complete their program stay at their job compared to the 76.2 percent national average.
Improved clinical judgment
The classroom will only get you so far.
Nurse residency programs help you safely apply your knowledge rather than throw you into the chaos often encountered in healthcare settings. You encounter more complicated scenarios than the basic responsibilities developed during clinical rotations too.
As a result, your confidence, skills, and abilities can improve.
Caring support system
You will shadow and meet with your nurse preceptor regularly while in a program.
There will be other recent graduates too, offering a network of peers who understand your situation.
The combined guidance further eases the transition from student to independent practitioner.
Resume booster
Finishing a nurse residency program showcases your commitment to nursing – and excelling at it.
Some programs can be competitive with limited start dates and spots. Securing one will look great on a resume and position you for future success.
Other considerations
- Contractual commitment: Most health systems who offer a program require new hires to sign a contract, promising you will work there for a set number of years. This can make it difficult to leave.
- Specific hiring periods, start dates, and units: Health systems typically limit enrollment to two or three cohorts annually. Applications open a few months before your graduation. They may decide what unit to assign you to too.
What the Research Says on Nurse Residency Programs
OK, nurse residency programs sound great. But shouldn’t you understand all of this before graduation? Or at the very least, learn it when you start a job?
Yes and no.
Amy Bridgman, DNP and a biology professor at Portage Learning, oversaw the program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for seven years.
She explains during onboarding, you typically shadow your preceptor for three months and concurrently attend a one- to two-week orientation, a much shorter period than your average nurse residency program.
Programs take it a step further through extended training, classroom learning, and professional development opportunities.
Dr. Bridgman adds while nursing school builds a strong foundation, real-world practice develops the expertise needed to navigate its pace and complexity.
“Take conflict resolution skills,” she says. “More recently, we see patients yelling at nurses, calling them names. That’s something our new staff have not ever experienced, even in daily life, and going from wanting to do your best work to being assaulted can quickly become discouraging, so we discuss strategies on how to handle topics like that.”
“Another example is we’ll learn how your care can impact your unit’s budget, which isn’t discussed in nursing school, giving them that high level overview of how your daily work drives success.”
A 2020 study found nurse residency programs established in nearly half of all U.S. hospitals, but their requirements and regulations vary which can make it difficult to compare outcomes.
However, in general, highly effective programs:
- Use different types of training to help skills improve step by step
- Teach the professional, specialty, clinical scope, and standards of practice
- Cover important skills such as ethical decision-making
- Emphasize how nurses work as part of a healthcare team
- Provide strong guidance from experienced mentors and supportive coworkers
- Offer stress management tactics and communication skills
What to Expect During Your Nurse Residency Program
You may feel overwhelmed going into your nurse residency program – and that’s OK.
It’s a transformative opportunity that can shape your career.
And while programs differ across health systems, knowing what generally lies ahead makes the experience feel more manageable. Here’s what you can anticipate throughout the year.
Month 1
In the first month, you will undergo orientation, learning everything about your hospital and unit, such as the:
- Mission and values
- Policies
- Records system
- Workflow
You will also meet the other nurses in your cohort and your preceptor.
Months 2-6
During this time, you complete courses, earn certifications, and attend lectures to deepen your understanding of nursing.
You work with your preceptor to develop clinical competencies and other skills such as time management and critical thinking.
Months 7-12
You begin working independently as a bedside nurse and continue attending classes. Your shift will likely transition from an eight-hour workday to the typical 12-hour period.
Your preceptor and other individuals, including the program coordinator, provide feedback and support.
How to Find the Nurse Residency Program for You
Dr. Bridgman recommends recent graduates seek nurse residency programs accredited by well-known bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
You should also consider:
- The program length
- How it aligns with your career goals
- The structure
- Mentorship received
- Contract requirements
The Final Thought: Shaping Your Professional Journey
As a soon to be nurse, you may be focused on:
- Passing your final exams
- Studying for the NCLEX
- Perfecting your resume
- Preparing for interviews
- Exploring potential nursing specialties
Your future wellbeing and satisfaction with your career? Likely not on that long to-do list. But possibly applying to a nurse residency program should be.
The knowledge and experience gained offers a chance at career-long fulfillment.
“Your first year of nursing can make or break you,” Dr. Bridgman notes. “Having that support and team around you that says, ‘This is normal to feel this way, and you’re going to get through it,’ is really important.”
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