Nurse Residency Program

Nurse Residency Program

Organization: Frederick Health Hospital Inc

Geographic Scope: Frederick County, MD

Program Duration: 12 months

Overview: Frederick Health offers a 12-month nurse residency program to provide clinical and educational support to Registered Nurses entering the field of nursing as new graduates. The evidence-based program fosters the development of the Frederick Health nurse and supports quality patient care and outcomes.

Main Goals

• Ease the transition from student nurse to RN
• Increase nurse competence and confidence
• Ensure quality patient care
• Retain RNs

Program Highlights

• Week of "resident classes" focusing on education specific to new RNs, including simulation exercises
• Partnership with an experienced RN preceptor who guides progression in patient assignment and completion of competency-based orientation
• Biweekly meetings with preceptor, CNS, and Manager to adapt program to individual needs
• Share days with other disciplines or programs
• Monthly four-hour educational sessions with Education Specialists including:
- Case study presentations by residents - Educational in-service - Resident forum/open discussion for support - Completion celebration

Clinical Orientation

• Initial clinical orientation with 1:1 preceptor: 8 to 12 weeks depending on specialty
• Ongoing education and support for 12 months via resident forums

Requirements for Nurse Residents

• Sign commitment to work full time for 24 months on unit of hire
• Mirror/follow primary preceptor's schedule
• Attend all program components including classes
• Return to classes and support groups/forums throughout 12-month residency

Specialty Considerations

• Specialty areas such as ED, ICU, NICU, OR, and L&D will consider Residents/Graduate Nurses on case-by-case basis
• Units typically hiring nursing residents include med/surg/telemetry (3A, 3B, 3G, 4A, 4B, 4G)

Affiliation

• Frederick Health is a member of the Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative; a network of hospitals providing statewide and standardized approach for nurse residency programs

Contact Information:

Frederick Health Hospital Inc

400 West 7th Street

Frederick, MD 21701

Phone: 240-566-3300