The Campbell County Health November 2019 Department Discovery features the
RN Residency Program.
Since 2012, Campbell County Health (CCH) has offered a residency program
for newly graduated registered nurses (RN). Evidence shows that graduate
nurses are often overwhelmed by the healthcare environment they enter
as a new nurse. The pace is hectic, and there are no easy patients “to
learn on.” Surveys show that nurses are excited and feel well-prepared
as they enter the workforce, but by six months they are exhausted and
discouraged. At this point they often look for less-demanding positions,
or consider leaving nursing altogether.
CCH believes that a structured residency program, which reinforces clinical
skills and supports professional growth, enhances the competence and confidence
of new nurses, and significantly reduces the loss of nurses from the bedside,
or the profession in the first year.
At CCH we offer a 10-month residency program for all newly graduated nurses
who enter our organization. The 10-month program runs annually, starting
in August, and is administered by Lisa Coleman and Darla Parks, RN, from
Professional Development. It features a two-day clinical boot camp and
monthly sessions with subject matter experts who present on topics such
as self-management, emotional intelligence, conflict management, bullying,
pain management, evidence-based practice, death and dying, and self-care.
Further, each session includes time for group mentoring and coaching.
“An important component of the transition from nursing student to
professional nurse is the RN Residency Program,” says Lisa Coleman.
“This comprehensive program provides RN grads with education to
increase their skills and competency so they are better able to serve
our patients and become confident in their new role. They interact with
seasoned RNs and other professionals in a setting that allows them opportunities
to ask questions, obtain guidance, and build a professional and social
network.”
Nurses who have completed CCH’s RN Residency program say that they
feel better prepared to care for patients. Their directors affirm that
they demonstrate a higher level of clinical competence, and are socialized
into the professional role more quickly.
There are currently 19 registered nurses in the program from across the
organization including
Behavioral Health Services, Campbell County Medical Group
clinics, Campbell County Memorial Hospital (Intensive Care Unit,
Maternal Child,
Medical/Surgical,
Oncology, and
Surgery), and
The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.
The new grads enrolled in the program at CCH include: Devyn Brinkerhoff,
Alexis Gigstad (not pictured), Elisa Gonzalez, Shelby Harris, Chelsey
Hendershot, Emilee Hutchinson (not pictured), Chelsey Loyd, Owen Mathews,
Kandi Newhall, Samantha Oswald, Krista Schwindt, Melissa Shaffer, Anisa
Stepanski, Robin Tamez, Stephanie Teppo, Janell Ulher (not pictured),
Shyanne Wigger, Kendra Wise, and Abigail Youngs.
A big round of applause to the RN Residency Program, and to the new nurses
at CCH who are enrolled! For more information about the RN Residency program,
please contact CCH Professional Development at 307.688.6040 or
Education@cchwyo.org.
Campbell County Health is looking for positive, energetic nurses to join
our outstanding healthcare team in Campbell County, Wyoming. We offer
competitive salaries and benefits, sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance
for some positions. Learn more about a nursing career at CCH at
www.cchwyo.org/rn.