Nurse Residency Program

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. The main goals are to ease the transition from student nurse to RN, increase nurse competence and confidence, ensure quality patient care, and retain RNs. Frederick Health is a member of the Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative; a network of hospitals engaged to provide a state wide and standardized approach for nurse residency programs.

Residents may be hired into bedside RN positions at Frederick Health at any time during the year depending on unit needs, vacancies, and the skill mix of RN experience on the unit. During the interview process, the residency program will be discussed with new grads who apply to vacant RN positions. The initial clinical orientation for the residency (1:1 with preceptor) ranges from 8 to 12 weeks depending on the specialty, with ongoing education and support provided for 12 months via resident forums.

The residency program is administered by Clinical Nurse Specialists who ensure successful clinical integration and practice at the bedside; and Education Specialists who provide a strong didactic component and monthly residency classes to provide education and support in the very important first year.

Program Highlights:

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

Requirements for Nurse Residents:

1. Sign a commitment to work full time for 24 months on the unit of hire.
2. Mirror/follow a primary preceptor’s schedule.
3. Attend all components of the program to include classes.
4. Return to classes and support groups/forums throughout the 12-month residency program.

"Orientation activities shape a new employee’s first and lasting impressions of an organization.
A well-designed orientation program can reduce turnover, shorten the period of adjustment, and lay the groundwork for a long, successful career. The goal of orientation is to develop a competent, confident nurse" (Allen, 2011).

Application process:

Those interested in the Residency program may apply to any open nursing position. Specialty areas such as the ED, ICU, NICU, OR, and L&D will consider Residents/Graduate Nurses on a case by case basis.