The journey from nursing school to clinical practice is an exciting time, filled with possibilities and new learning experiences. However, a graduate's first nursing year is also often the most overwhelming as they must quickly adapt to the pace of the ever-changing healthcare environment. As nurses dedicate themselves to caring for the children, significant others, parents and grandparents in their communities, an important question arises: who is taking care of them?
A need for support
Nursing is undoubtedly one of the most demanding professions in the United States. It's physically arduous, emotionally taxing and undeniably stressful. Survey data from the American Nurses Foundation revealed that almost two-thirds of nurses (62%) report experiencing burnout. This is especially prevalent among younger nurses, with 69% of survey participants under 25 feeling burnt out.
Recognizing the complexities of this transition, Parkview established its Nurse Residency Program in 2015, designed to equip new nurses with the skills, knowledge and empowerment needed to excel in their first year of practice.
Creating community
The Nurse Residency Program has grown to become Parkview's largest development initiative. With approximately 300-400 nurses in their first year at a given time, the residency serves as a support network where nurses can connect, share experiences and grow together.
New nurses enter the 12-month interactive experience with two weeks of generalized orientation at the Parkview Education Center before proceeding to specialty-specific training with knowledgeable preceptors and mentors in their assigned care areas. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors and mentors, nurse residents practice and demonstrate skill-based competencies, preparing them for the needs of their patient populations.
The program also features monthly cohort-style seminars, where participants explore advanced nursing topics and build connections with their peers. These collaboration opportunities provide nurse residents with ongoing education and ensure they are better adjusted and confident as they progress through their careers.
Achieving accreditation
Parkview's commitment to excellence and the well-being of its co-workers was recently reaffirmed with a four-year re-accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP). PTAP sets the standard for residency programs that focus on transitioning new registered nurses and advanced practice nurses into their settings and positions.
Parkview is one of only three hospital systems locally and the only one in northern Indiana with an accredited PTAP program, according to the ANCC database. Since receiving its initial PTAP accreditation in 2020, Parkview's Nurse Residency Program has supported the successful transition of more than 2,300 newly graduated nurses. The continuous motivation and professional development provided throughout the residency have led to a first-year voluntary turnover rate for nurses that is 6% below the national average, while overall nurse voluntary turnover is 4% below the benchmark.
Final thoughts
Just as nurses devote themselves to delivering compassionate care to their patients, Parkview is committed to providing the foundation for a career of lifelong learning. To learn more about nursing careers at Parkview, visit parkview.com/careers/nursing.
