To provide a better educated workforce in clinical settings, the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC)/AACN Residency Program(TM) was developed in collaboration with chief nursing officers throughout the country. Its goals are to: 1) expand capacity in baccalaureate programs, and 2) develop a residency program to take the novice learner from new graduate to a more competent provider. A formal curriculum, that is updated annually, provides a framework for the residency program.

The UHC has developed new marketing tools to assist AACN members in promoting practice-partner discussions about the benefits associated with the Nurse Residency Program. In light of the call from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to strengthen transition to practice programs for new nurses (http://www.ncsbn.org/363.htm), this information is timely and valuable.

A Nurse Residency Program brochure highlighting the success of the program at the University of Wisconsin, the cost of nurse turnover, and illustrations of proven program results is provided. The Nurse Residency Program Benefits Sheet discusses the program content, retention rates, improved patient outcomes, and financial benefits of the program. The Program Products Offering lists products an organization will receive with purchase of the program. Also, a Return on Investment calculation worksheet is provided to evaluate savings related to adopting the program.

Nursing faculty and healthcare administrators would benefit from reviewing this toolkit provided by AACN. The information is provided to assist in practice-partner discussions, but is also a good reminder of what the industry is looking for in our graduates.

Source: Marketing Tool Kit for UHC/AACN Nurse Residency Program(TM). AACN. Available athttp://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/NrsResToolkit.htm. Accessed on July 31, 2009.

Submitted by: Robin Pattillo, PhD, RN, News Editor at [email protected].