St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway has introduced a Nurse Residency Program aimed at providing in-depth, on-the-job training for recent nursing graduates.
The program, developed with the New York City Nursing Project in partnership with Vizient, is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and funded by the New York City Mayor’s Talent and Workforce Development Division.
The year-long program offers new hires hands-on training in an acute care setting under the guidance of experienced preceptors. The initiative seeks to ensure that nurses transition smoothly from academia to clinical practice.
“The Nurse Residency program provides support for recent graduates transitioning from a school setting to practice,” said Keisha-Ann Wisdom, Senior Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Episcopal Health Services (EHS). “It allows for carved out time in a controlled environment to learn and enhance the skills needed to care for patients effectively, while also beginning the journey towards evidence-based practice and nursing research.”
A key component of the program is structured monthly networking sessions that bring new nurses into a classroom setting, allowing them to step away from the clinical environment. During these sessions, participants receive education on health equity, wellness and team-based nursing, as well as opportunities for reflection and confidential discussions on their training progress.
“By participating in this program, nurses are better equipped to solve problems, feel more satisfied in their roles and are more likely to continue their careers with Episcopal Health Services,” said Denise Potts, Assistant Vice President of Professional Practice at EHS.
The Nurse Residency Program will supplement the hospital’s traditional nursing orientation, providing new team members with a supportive and structured environment as they begin their careers at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.
