The residency program aimed to provide a solid pediatric nursing foundation for the provision of safe and high-quality care , regardless of previous clinical experience . The classes included innovative and interactive activities to support knowledge retention and application to practice in preparation for entering the clinical setting . Curriculum highlights include :
• Pediatric assessment class , led by Natalie France , MSN , RN , CCRN , SANE and Jenny Olson , MSN , RN , CPHON . This included a series of case studies with applied hands-on practice , presenting diverse patients of varied ages and medical diagnoses , as they journey through the continuum of care . This course introduces experienced clinical leaders who serve as facilitators .
• Medication 101 class , led by Stephanie Stanislaw , MSN , RN , CCRN . This interactive class allows graduate nurses hands-on experience with pumps , weight-based medication calculations and application via patient scenarios .
• Communication class , led by Chelsea Yoshika , MSN , RN , CPN and Ciara Culhane , MS , RN , NPD-BC . A cornerstone of safe multidisciplinary care , this curriculum introduces expert panelists exploring how a culture of safety is rooted in professional and safe communication practices .
• Target Zero safety practices , led by Mallory Mueller , MSN , RNC-NIC . This class challenges the learner ’ s ability to apply knowledge , problem solve and debrief through an iterative safety escape room . Puzzles include solutions with safety checks , cleaning high touch surfaces , falls , central line cap changes , communicating using SBAR and completing a quality incident report .
• Resiliency and psychological safety sessions , led by Carissa Taylor , MSN , RN , NPD-BC , CPN . These are rooted in Jean Watson ’ s Theory of Caring ® with monthly mental health classes including fireside chats , HeartMath ® and creative arts to promote retention and engagement .
Cohort sizes in the new graduate residency program have significantly grown , adding a fourth cohort and doubling the number of nurses hired . Since 2018 , the 12-month program has an average completion rate of 98.1 %. Children ’ s Colorado welcomed 169 new graduate nurses into this program in 2022 , with 103 in August and 66 in November . Preliminary data show increases in nurse residents ’ selfreported rating of confidence and knowledge acquisition , with a high overall program rating of 4.58 – 4.87 ( out of 5 ). Further analysis is being conducted to examine the degree to which confidence and knowledge translate to improved patient outcomes .
Together , the New Graduate Residency Reimagined team members led meaningful change through innovation and teamwork , striving for excellence in transition to professional practice . The program intends to have a resounding impact beyond the growth of the new graduates , influencing the care of patients , families and team members . This investment transformed the concept of centralized education through boundless creativity and humble expertise to shape new graduates at Children ’ s Colorado for years to come .
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Ciara Culhane , MS , RN , NPD-BC Natalie France , MSN , RN , CCRN , SANE Sara Hahn , MS , RN , CPN Christina Janda , MSN , RNC-NIC Mallory Muller , MSN , RNC-NIC Jenny Olson , MS , RN , CPHON Sarah Schmidt , MSN , RN , CCRN-K Michi Sekol , MSN , RN , NPD-BC , CPN Dakota Silva , BSN , RN , CPN , CRRN Stephanie Stanislaw , MSN , RN , CCRN Carissa Taylor , MSN , RN , NPD-BC , CPN Chelsie Yoshioka , MSN , RN , CPN
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In addition to the core group of key contributors leading this work , these colleagues were key partners and stakeholders :
Kristin Belderson , DNP , RN , NEA-BC , NPD-BC , CPON ; Sarah Clarkson , MSN , RN ; Victoria Del Valle , MSN , RN , CNS , RNC-NIC ; Sharon Enoch , MSN , RN , RNC-NIC ; Kari Fonteno , MSN , RN , CPN ; Cassie Lang , MSN , CNS , RN , ACCNS-AG , CCRN-K ; Jodi Thrasher , MSN , FNP , RN , NEA-BC ; Julie Marshall , MSN , RN , PED- BC , CNE , CCM ; Tony Martinelli , MS , RN , CPHON ; Laurel More , MS , RN , NPD-BC , CPN ; Maggie Lehrman , MSN , RN , TNCC , ENPC ; Rocio Parra , MBA ; Andrea Rauch , BSN , RN , CCRN ; Lauren Reece , MSN , RN , CPN , TNCC ; Lindsey Rowe , MSN , RN , CCRN-K , TNCC ; Felicia Silvas , MSN , RN , CPN ; LJ Turcotte , BS , RRT , RRT-NPS , AE- C ; Chris Whelchel ; BSRC , RRT , RRT-NPS , RRT-ACCS
EXECUTIVE SPONSORS
Cathy Kleiner , PhD , RN Kim Weber Yorga , MSN , RN
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