Are you in online nursing school, or perhaps you’re studying on campus to become a nurse? It’s an exciting time as you gain new knowledge, understanding, and insight into becoming a nurse. As well as theoretical knowledge, you should learn lots of practical nursing techniques too. The main place you’ll gain your practical knowledge is during a nursing residency. But what can you expect from a nursing residency? Fear not, because this article is the ultimate guide to nursing residency programs for new graduate nurses. So, read on to learn more.
A nursing residency program combines regular classroom instruction that is specific to your particular nursing specialties, such as geriatric, pediatric, or mental health, and experience in a clinical setting under the supervision, guidance, and tutelage of qualified staff. You’ll be supervised by coaches, the program director, and preceptors. In most cases, a nurse residency program will see you placed in a direct healthcare setting such as a hospital or other primary healthcare facility.
Nursing residency programs aim to improve patient outcomes, job satisfaction in senior nurses, and communication between supervisors and students. They can help minimize nurse turnover, workplace errors, and self-reported stress in new nurses. These programs benefit nurses who have recently graduated from nursing school and can gain valuable nursing experience under the supervision of experienced nurse unit managers and other senior roles.
Most accredited nurse residency programs will last for six months to one year. Nurses start their nursing residency in what is called the “transition phase,” which is where they will listen to lectures and read case studies about the nursing specialty they wish to enter, preparing them for their placement. During this phase, the graduate nurses may be introduced to the other new nurses in their cohort, as well as induction to the hospital policies, record-keeping systems, and other protocols of the workplace.
Then, during the next few months, nurses will complete self-directed online learning programs and certifications, such as Meditech training. This period will also include lectures such as informatics in healthcare systems, and the American Nurses Association code of nursing ethics. They will also learn about sharps handling and disposal and participate in discussion groups and preceptor-led group discussions. These shifts in clinical settings are typically 9-5 from Monday to Friday.
Then, graduate nurses commence the “integration” phase, where they will gain invaluable clinical experience. The program director observes the nurse residents closely to measure and grade skills such as decision-making, clinical judgment, patient evaluation, and communication with patients.
During this phase, nurses will work regular shifts that range from 8-12 hours during the day, overnight, or a mix of both, depending on the employer. They will care for patients, utilize their clinical judgment, and communicate with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals under the supervision of the preceptor and the program director or unit manager. The relevant staff will offer feedback and guidance, and this feedback is given to the graduate nurses so they can gradually improve their practice. Resident nurses will often complete surveys to self-assess their progress throughout this phase.
New nurses who commence a residency program have several benefits and advantages. They can learn to improve their clinical judgment and decision-making skills in critical patient care and clinical treatment. The program also helps them build strong communication skills with other nurses and patients, which is vital to effective nursing. It also teaches nurses how to utilize evidence-based nursing practices consistently and effectively.
Furthermore, it increases job satisfaction among new nurses and the supervising staff, improving nurse retention rates for hospitals and other healthcare providers. Effectively educating graduate nurses decreases errors in patient care.
Also, as new nurses progress through their residency program, they will be given increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy in patient care under direct supervision. This allows for a gradual development of skills and confidence to work up experience and skill slowly.
The pace will pick up as the residency progresses, as the goal is to upskill graduate nurses to be fully capable nurses.
While there are very few disadvantages to a nursing residency program, there are some that are worth covering so you can make an informed decision.
One disadvantage is a decreased salary during residency compared to what a qualified nurse may earn. Many employers will only increase your salary after you have completed your training period and your residency is finished. However, you must acknowledge that while you are attending classes and taking on less work, your employer is not able to assign you a full patient load, which costs your employer money. This may be a fair trade for the additional training and support you will receive during residency from your employer.
Another disadvantage is the time commitment you need to assign to complete the training program; however, this can be framed as an advantage because you are getting paid for the placement.
It is important to recognize that your nursing career is a marathon, not a rapid sprint. The payoff comes once you have completed your residency.
There are a range of strategies and tips you can use to ensure that you succeed in your nursing residency program. You must keep an open mind and a learning mindset. You are there to be a sponge and soak up all the knowledge, skills, and experience that the placement has to offer. As such, you’ll want to ask a lot of questions of your supervisors, to ensure that you learn as much as you can.
It is also important to be friendly, open, and approachable with patients and other nurses, including your supervisors. A great nurse is friendly and has an excellent bedside manner, and this attitude is a skill like any other that will improve with practice.
You have just read the ultimate guide to nursing residency programs for graduate nurses. You’ve learned about nursing residency programs, the different phases of residency, and some of the advantages and disadvantages of completing a nursing residency program. Finally, you’ve learned what it takes to succeed during your residency placement. Now, you’re fully informed about this topic and ready to commence your residency in earnest.
