At UHCMC we believe that new graduate nurses should begin their professional nursing career with clinical support and mentoring to ensure a successful transition from their student roles. UHCMC has joined with the University HealthSystems Consortium/American Association of Colleges of Nursing (UHC/AACN) to implement the Nurse Residency Program, which is a national research project that studies best practices in working with new graduate nurses.

The Nurse Residency Program, which extends beyond orientation, is designed to support new graduates for the first twelve months of their professional nursing practice. Participation in this program is a part of their regular work assignment. Nurse residents participate in monthly seminars and complete an evidence-based practice project. Seminar topics include:
 
•    Critical thinking
•    Leadership skills
•    Stress Management
•    Patient Safety
•    End-of-life decision-making
•    Evidence-Based Practice
•    Professional career development
 
The Nurse Residency Program is offered three times during the calendar year: March, July, and August.  One cohort accommodates the winter graduates and two cohorts accommodate the spring/summer graduates.