Strategic Steps to Gaining Approval for Increased Nurse Residency Program Coordinator Full-Time Equivalent Resources.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Organizational Management

Background:

• Increasing reliance on newly licensed nurses to fill healthcare vacancies.
• Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are vital for new nurse transition, offering training and mentorship.
• Existing research indicates NRPs positively impact nurse retention and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a practical, six-step process for a hospital system to obtain additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) for Nurse Residency Program (NRP) Coordinators.
• To highlight the importance of adequate staffing for effective NRP management and support.
• To provide a replicable model for other healthcare organizations seeking to enhance their nurse residency programs.

Main Methods:

• A six-step process was developed and implemented by a Colorado hospital system.
• The process focused on justifying and securing additional NRP Coordinator FTEs.
• Data and strategic planning were integral to the securing process.

Main Results:

• The hospital system successfully secured additional NRP Coordinator FTEs.
• This increased capacity allows for more robust support and management of the nurse residency program.
• The described process provides a blueprint for similar initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Adequate NRP Coordinator staffing is essential for successful nurse residency programs.
• Securing additional FTEs requires a strategic, multi-step approach.
• Investing in NRP support can lead to improved nurse retention and organizational outcomes.