You At Your Best

SpoNSoR CoNTeNT Washington Regional Medical Center offers its nurses a unique in-house nursing education department, including an American Heart Association Training Center, scholarship and tuition assistance programs and opportunities to participate in various nurse leadership groups. Washington Regional's RN Residency program provides newly graduated registered nurses with a focused orientation program as well as a mentor for ongoing education and support. More information about Washington Regional's RN Residency program is available by contacting: Samantha Bowman, MS, CHES RN Residency Program Manager 479-463-6815 Sbowman1@wregional.com Visit wregional.com/jobs for more information about Washington Regional and to browse job opportunities. Grow your nursing career at Washington Regional SpoNSoR CoNTeNT Most new nursing-school graduates hope to start their careers with confidence in their skills and the ability to connect personally with their patients. At Washington Regional Medical Center, a program is designed to help them do that. Since implementing Northwest Arkansas' first nurse residency program in March 2016, Washington Regional has helped nearly 300 new graduates make a successful transition from student to skilled nurse. This spring, Washington Regional welcomed more than 48 new graduates from over 35 nursing school programs across the country to its RN Residency program, with dozens more scheduled to join four other cohorts that begin throughout the year. The RN Residency program at Washington Regional provides a support system for newly graduated registered nurses by helping them to transition to professional practice and become confident and competent care providers. "Under the program, new nursing-school graduates are coached into independence by Washington Regional's experienced and accomplished nursing staff members," says Samantha Bowman, RN Residency program manager. During their first few months of employment at Washington Regional, new graduate nurses participate in a variety of sessions designed to strengthen their assessment, critical thinking, communication, teamwork and technical skills in a safe learning environment. The program, which is provided at no cost to the participants, is offered in addition to their clinical orientation so it maximizes their opportunities to engage in the medical system and learn about available resources. The program is coordinated by nursing staff members at Washington Regional who have achieved advanced nursing education and certifications. "Each new graduate nurse benefits from a strategic, planned blend of classroom and hands-on experience," Bowman says. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses who have completed these types of residency programs report reduced stress levels and demonstrate improved confidence, competence, communication, leadership and ability to organize and prioritize. "By offering this structured orientation experience, we help ensure new graduate nurses begin their careers with improved skills and greater confidence," Bowman says. Washington Regional partners with Vizient Nurse Residency Program, a healthcare education leader, according to Bowman. Vizient is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. "The best hospitals in the country use the same curriculum that Washington Regional is using," Bowman pointed out, naming Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Duke University Hospital and the UCLA Health System as those who have also provided Vizient training for new graduate nurses. As part of the Vizient Program, residents complete evidence-based research to implement practices within the organization that affect patient safety, financial stewardship and quality outcomes. One group from this year's residency class was chosen to present their research at the national conference in Orlando, Florida, being one of 38 from across the country out of hundreds of submissions. This is the second time in three years that Washington Regional has been chosen to present at a national level. "Washington Regional has always offered opportunities for a nurse to make a real difference," Bowman says. "And now, Washington Regional is experiencing growth at an unprecedented level, so there are even more opportunities here to build a successful nursing career." More information about Washington Regional's RN Residency program is available by calling 479-463-6815 or emailing sbowman1@wregional.com. RN Residency program develops skilled, compassionate nurses Best nurses: SATURdAY, ApRil 27, 2019 | mAY - BEST nURSES nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 13

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