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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Evaluation of Outcomes From an Online Nurse Residency Program
Thad Wilson1, Nicole Weathers, Lori Forneris
1Author Affiliation: President and Professor (Dr Wilson), Research College of Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri; Program Manager (Ms Weathers), Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program, University of Iowa College of Nursing; and Clinical Practice Expert (Ms Forneris), UnityPoint Health-St Lukes, Sioux City, Iowa.
Objective:
This retrospective study examined the nurse outcomes from new-graduate nurse residents completing an online nurse residency program (NRP).
Background:
Studies have shown that hospital-based NRPs help new graduates transition from beginners to competent nurses. However, NRPs can tax the resources of smaller institutions, making such a program unrealistic. Little is published exploring the efficacy of online programs for nursing residents.
Methods:
Surveys assessing the impact of the online program were completed by residents in an online NRP at initiation, 6 months, and at completion.
Results:
There were statistically significant improvements in organizational and prioritizing skills; confidence in communication with other healthcare providers, patients, and families; and improved leadership ability. The percentage of residents reporting negative safety practices and patient errors decreased over time.
Conclusions:
An NRP using online educational modules results in nurse outcomes comparable to those reported from traditional models.
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