Nurse Residency Program at Allen Hospital
Residency Program Overview
UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital is investing in new nurses by offering a Nurse Residency Program, which is designed to help new RNs successfully transition to professional practice in the acute care setting.
Newly graduated nurses are automatically enrolled when they accept an RN position. Participation in the program is part of the new nurses' regular work assignment. The Nurse Residency Program consists of:
- Half-day classes (held monthly for eight months).
- Class sessions include time to meet with a mentor.
- Continuing education credits are awarded for completion of the program.
- Focused subject matter covering communication, professionalism, critical thinking, management of responsibilities and clinical knowledge.
The program includes sessions with varying activities, including simulation, case studies and scheduled time with a nurse mentor.
Requirements
- Successful completion of NCLEX and RN licensure.
- Acceptance of an RN position at Allen Hospital.
- Open to new graduates, as well as experienced nurses who are new to the hospital setting.
Objectives
- Grow in clinical competence and the ability to be a fully functioning member of the nursing profession.
- Develop critical thinking, organizational and time management skills.
- Identify patient outcomes related to nursing care and how to impact these in a positive manner.
- Incorporate best practices as evidenced by research into nursing practice to provide high-quality care.
- Create an individual career plan that promotes lifelong learning.
HIghlights
- Each class has a combination of learning styles including hands-on training and simulation.
- Clinical topics such as chest tube management, ethics, wound care, cardiac diseases and code blue response.
- Professional topics such as use of social media, culturally sensitive care, time management, communicating with physicians, Board of Nursing requirements, leadership and empathy.
- Personal topics such as stress management, shift work, self-care and debriefing.
