Bayhealth recently celebrated the graduation of 33 nurses from its inpatient nurse residency program, marking an important milestone for new healthcare professionals beginning their careers in Delaware hospitals.
The graduation ceremony took place Feb. 19 at the Bayhealth Blue Hen Conference Center in Dover, recognizing the accomplishments and professional development of nurses who successfully completed the year-long program.
The Bayhealth inpatient nurse residency program, accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program, is designed to help newly licensed nurses transition from nursing school to independent clinical practice. The program provides mentorship, structured education and hands-on training to prepare nurses to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.
“Making the transition from a student nurse to a registered nurse can be quite a journey,” said Erica McPhail, MSN, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC, adult inpatient nurse residency specialist at Bayhealth. “We are committed to their success as they transition into their nursing practice through an evidence-based year-long process supported by numerous interprofessional experts. This program is a major value for not only preparing our graduates to deliver safe, high-quality patient care, but also for professional growth and retention.”
The program is designed for nurses with less than 12 months of acute care experience and offers comprehensive training with the Bayhealth Magnet® nursing team across several inpatient units.
Newly hired nurses who meet eligibility requirements are automatically enrolled in the program. Participants receive one-on-one orientation with a registered nurse preceptor, attend monthly educational sessions, and benefit from ongoing mentorship throughout the year.
Nurse residents also take part in simulation training at Bayhealth’s Simulation Center, allowing them to practice clinical scenarios in a controlled learning environment. Throughout the program, residents meet regularly with nursing professional development practitioners and residency specialists to discuss professional goals and strengthen their clinical skills.
Even after completing the residency program, graduates continue to receive guidance through an extended mentorship program, designed to support long-term career success and continued professional development within Bayhealth.
Bayhealth officials say the program plays an important role in strengthening Delaware’s healthcare workforce by helping new nurses build confidence, clinical expertise and a strong foundation for their careers.
More information about nursing careers and training opportunities at Bayhealth is available at Bayhealth.org/Careers/Nursing.
