Nurse Residency Programs Provide a Strong Foundation for New Graduate Nurses
RWJBarnabas Health is invested in its nursing staff and sets them up for success by offering robust nurse residency programs designed for nurses beginning their careers. The programs, available at many of the RWJBarnabas Health facilities, introduce new graduate registered nurses (RNs) to the profession of nursing by providing a one-year hands-on introduction to the art and science of nursing.
About the New Graduate RN Residency Programs at RWJBarnabas Health
The nurse residency programs have helped hundreds of aspiring nurses to transition into professional practice since its inception. Bridging the transition from the educational setting of nursing school to clinical practice can be daunting, but the residency programs provide a meaningful foundation to build competence, judgement, and clinical excellence.
The programs consist of nursing and clinical orientation followed by Professional Development sessions designed to support new nurses as they adapt to nursing practice. Participants are assigned to a registered nurse on staff who serves as a preceptor to impart valuable insights into a nurse’s caseload and the day-to-day responsibilities. Mentorship, support, and group meetings continue throughout the year to provide a solid foundation and reinforce skills for new nurses. Nurse residents are hired directly into specialty areas, affording them a unique opportunity for hands-on training in their desired area of nursing. The new graduate RNs are enrolled in Foundation Courses, which provide an enhanced didactic curriculum for the specialty they will be practicing in.
What Are the Key Components of the Nurse Residency Programs?
The key components of the nurse residency programs are classroom instruction coupled with simulation activities and hands-on patient care designed to support the nurses as they transition to being a full partner on the health care team.
Over the course of 12 months, nurse residents strengthen confidence, competence, and decision-making skills by:
- Attending workshops and specialty courses that cover topics such as patient safety, evidence-based practice, conflict resolution, time management skills, communication techniques, self-care, and resilience training
- Participating in a structured clinical orientation with a preceptor with feedback and progress reports
- Learning about the role of the registered nurse (RN)
- Building relationships with other new nurses, nursing mentors, and the interdisciplinary team
What Are the Benefits of the RWJBarnabas Health New Graduate RN Residency Programs?
The nurse residency programs provide education and support to new nurses as they transition into professional practice. Enrolling in the residency program helps to:
- Improve clinical judgement
- Decrease burnout
- Increase confidence
- Provide better patient care
RWJBarnabas Health has a wealth of experience to share throughout its facilities as evidenced by the high level of expertise characteristic of the 11,000 nurses of the health care system. The depth of clinical expertise and investment in professional development is unmatched in New Jersey. We offer nurse residency programs to graduates of Associate’s level degree and BSN programs. All sites share the goal of bridging the transition to nursing practice while introducing new nurses to the culture and future practice opportunities at RWJBarnabas Health.
Why Consider Nurse Residency Programs at RWJBarnabas Health?
RWJBarnabas Health takes pride in the nursing profession and works hard to provide opportunities for professional development in an atmosphere where patients are receiving the highest level of care. Our nurses are a committed team of individuals with vast talent and expertise who promote an environment of diversity and inclusion. RWJBarnabas Health nurses partner with patients to transform lives.
We are RWJBarnabas Health nurses. Come join us and be part of our team!
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