Bayhealth Honors 33 Graduates of Inpatient Nurse Residency Program in Dover

Bayhealth honored 33 graduates of its inpatient nurse residency program Feb. 19 in Dover; the year-long program is accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. (Photo courtesy of Bayhealth.)

Bayhealth announced the graduation of 33 nurses from its inpatient nurse residency program during a ceremony held Feb. 19 at the Bayhealth Blue Hen Conference Center in Dover.

The year-long program is accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program and is designed to support new nurses as they move from nursing school into independent clinical practice.

“Making the transition from a student nurse to a registered nurse can be quite a journey. We are committed to their success as they transition into their nursing practice through an evidence-based year-long process supported by numerous interprofessional experts,” said Adult Inpatient Nurse Residency Specialist Erica McPhail, MSN, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC. “This program is a major value for not only preparing our graduates to deliver safe, high-quality patient care, but also for professional growth and retention.”

The inpatient nurse residency program is intended for nurses with less than 12 months of acute care experience. Eligible new hires are automatically enrolled and receive one-on-one orientation with a registered nurse preceptor, monthly educational sessions and ongoing mentorship.

Participants also complete simulation training at Bayhealth’s Simulation Center and meet regularly with nursing professional development practitioners and residency specialists. After completing the program, graduates continue in a mentorship program aimed at supporting long-term career development.

Hospital officials said the program helps prepare new nurses for the demands of inpatient care while promoting professional growth and retention within the health system.