Nursing Residency Program
Nurse Residency Program
Starting your nursing career is a big step—and you shouldn’t have to take it alone. The Augusta Health Nurse Residency Program (NRP), offered in partnership with Vizient and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), is designed to bridge the gap between education and practice, giving new graduate nurses the confidence, clinical skills, and support they need to thrive.
This structured, evidence‑based, 12‑month transition‑to‑practice program runs alongside unit orientation and blends education, mentorship, and hands‑on learning to help new nurses build strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and professional identity.
Why Participate?
- Stronger clinical competence— Research shows newly licensed nurses benefit from structured support as they enter practice.
- Reduced transition stress— Designed to build confidence, clinical judgment, and professional identity.
- Enhanced support system— The Vizient/AACN model adds an extra layer of guidance beyond orientation and preceptorship.
- Build your professional community— Connect with peers and mentors who support your growth and help you feel grounded during your first year.
- Higher retention— Vizient programs report a 20% higher first‑year retention rate than the national average.
Program Logistics
- Eligibility: All new graduate nurses with less than 12 months of experience and/or entering their first professional nursing role
- Commitment: Monthly, 4-hour in-person sessions over 12 months
- Care Areas: Medical-Surgical, Critical Care, Emergency, Women’s Health, Perioperative, Home Health, and more!
The Experience:
- Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Learning: Residents engage in a thoughtfully designed curriculum that integrates clinical, professional, and leadership development, led by experts from across the organization.
- Interactive and Engaging Sessions: Learning is strengthened through games, simulations, case studies, and other hands-on activities that encourage active participation and real-world application.
- Guided Clinical Reflection: Facilitated by experienced leaders, these sessions provide a supportive space for reflection and discussion—consistently identified by residents as one of the most valuable aspects of the program.
- Celebrating Growth and Achievement: The program concludes with a graduation celebration and an Evidence-Based Practice Poster Symposium, showcasing resident projects and accomplishments.
NRP Fast Facts
- Cohorts per year: Three cohorts annually—typically spring, summer, and fall
- Average Cohort Size: 10-25 nurse residents per cohort
- 48 hours of evidence-based curriculum
- Since implimentation in 2019, we have had a total of 258 nurse residents in NRP!
- Retention Rate for 2024: 86.4% in the first 12 months
Did You Know?
We also offer a Clinical-to-Specialty Pathway program, in conjunction with NRP. Through Augusta EDGE, new graduate nurses don’t have to choose between gaining experience and pursuing their passion—you can do both.
- Explore specialty areas while building a strong clinical foundation
- Transition into your chosen specialty within 24 months
- Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and career guidance
- Grow your confidence and skills at every stage of your nursing journey
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more? Our team is here to help you take the next step in your nursing career.
Nurse Residency Program Coordinator
Ashley Thurston, BSN, RNC‑OB, C‑EFM
Email: amthurston@augustahealth.com
Phone: 540‑332‑4723