Introduction and history
The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP) effectively supports newly licensed nurses transitioning into their first professional role (nurse residents). The program began in 2002 as a multi-site research study based on the need to support and retain nurses in the profession. Support for the NRP increased significantly after the National Council of State Boards of Nursing published a paper and the National Academy of Medicine’s (formally Institute of Medicine’s) (2011) report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health , endorsed the implementation of a transition-to-practice model for all newly licensed nurses (Spector & Echternacht, 2010).
The NRP is a partnership between Vizient® and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Using AACN's Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021), the NRP is uniquely informed on the preparation of nurses and the competencies they possess upon graduation. The framework for the curriculum is built on the ten domains found within the Essentials document and developed by subject matter experts across the country. The NRP is an added layer of support, in addition to new nurse orientation and preceptorship experience. Nurse residents meet monthly for 12 months. During this time, they learn from and network with content experts throughout the organization. They also participate in clinical reflection time, allowing them to connect with peers while developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
The NRP curriculum consists of the following critical domains: Development of the professional nurse, foundations of nursing quality and safety, interprofessional practice, knowledge for nursing practice, leadership and systems-based practice, person centered care and scholarship for nursing practice. The curriculum focuses on application of knowledge and work experiences to assist newly licensed nurses as they transition toward competency during their first year of practice.
Program goals
Through the program the nurse residents will:
- Make the transition from advanced beginner nurse toward competent nurse.
- Develop effective decision-making skills related to clinical judgement and safety in the healthcare environment.
- Provide clinical nursing leadership, in conjunction with the interprofessional team, at the point of care.
- Strengthen commitment to the profession of nursing.
- Increase engagement in the healthcare organization and profession.
- Integrate best evidence into nursing practice.
Program retention
Participants by state
Annual Conference
Join us for the 2025 Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program Conference
Date:
March 24-27, 2025
Duration:
4 days
Location:
Coronado Springs Resort in Disney World, Orlando, FL
The annual Nurse Residency Program Conference is an opportunity for program participants to network, share ideas and learn from one another. Find presentations from our past conference and information about the next one.
Conference summary: The 2024 Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program (NRP) conference located in San Diego, California, welcomed attendees from healthcare organizations across the United States, focusing on highlighting NRP best practices.
- 400+ nurse resident and nurse residency leader attendees from across the United States
- 30+ podium presentations
- 60+ poster presentations
- 80+ organizations represented
As the nation’s leading health care performance improvement company, Vizient® serves more than half of the health care organizations in the United States. We invite you to engage your brand with health care’s leading Nurse Residency Program, the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™.
This premier event is dedicated to connecting Nurse Residency Program leaders and nurse residents from over 700 participating organizations from across the United States. Each year, we welcome approximately 500 - 600 attendees to a beautiful location for an exciting learning and networking opportunity.
Why should you invest in becoming a sponsor at the Vizient Nurse Residency Conference? Consider these key benefits:
- Capture quality leads and build relationships. Engage in meaningful conversations with potential clients and partners during networking breaks and luncheons.
- Maximize brand exposure. Increase your brand’s visibility by showcasing your products and services to a dedicated audience focused on advancing the nursing workforce and practice.
- Engage with healthcare leaders. Connect directly with nurse leaders, professional development practitioners, and clinical nurses who are influential in the healthcare industry.
- Customize opportunities. Choose from a variety of sponsorship packages designed to meet your marketing and business objectives and goals.
2024 Vizient/AACN NRP Award recipients
Vizient/AACN Nurse Resident of the Year
Stony Brook University Hospital, New York
The recipient of this award is Sabrina Sloan BSN, RN, CCRN from Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Sabrina represents an exceptional nurse resident who demonstrates exemplary clinical skills, compassion, leadership and commitment to learning. She received the “CTICU Rookie of the Year” Award from her organization, attended a medical mission trip to Ecuador and serves as a wellness champion on her unit. The Nurse Resident of the Year serves as a role model for their peers and exhibits a profound dedication to providing high-quality patient care. Katherine Lewin, MS, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, nurse residency program coordinator states, “Ms. Sloan has a palpable sense of professionalism, compassion, and engagement that radiates throughout the unit.
Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Coordinator of the Year
Stanford Health Care, California
Kerry Zoss, MS, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN-K from Stanford Health Care in California is the recipient of this award. This category honors an outstanding nurse residency program coordinator who exhibits exceptional leadership, mentorship and advocacy for nurse residents. Kerry partnered with organizational leaders and the Stanford’s Nurse Residency Program Advisory Board to create an innovative recruitment project targeting new graduate nurses, diversity and expansion of the NRP. She created a pathway to support recruitment including resume and cover letter writing, focused webinars, and interview skills. The diversity of applicants increased to 110% of candidates who identified as African American/Black, 130% who identified as Hispanic/Latino, and 300% who identified as Two or More Races. The Nurse Residency Coordinator of the Year plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting nurse residents as they transition from students to professionals, fostering an environment of growth and development. Kristi Norris, MSN, RN, NRP-BC, CMSRN, nurse residency program coordinator stated, “Kerry’s bold approach and strategic collaboration enabled 120% growth of the Nurse Residency Program.”
Vizient/AACN Legacy Award recipient
University of HealthSystem Consortium
This award is a special honor that celebrates an individual whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the nurse residency program and the profession of nursing. This year’s Legacy award recipient is Roberta Graham, MSN, RN, residing in North Carolina. Over 20 years ago, Roberta brought together CNOs and Deans from 6 academic medical centers to enhance BSN recruitment and retention strategies. Together, they recognized a post-baccalaureate nurse residency program as the solution and emphasized outcome measurement from the onset. Evy Olson, MSN, MBA, RN, Vizient VP Nursing Programs stated, “We attribute the success of the Nurse Residency Program to Roberta and the individuals who gathered around the table more than 20 years ago. It was Roberta's forward-thinking and innovative approach that initiated a program which has continued to flourish and prosper throughout all these years”. Roberta embodies the values of integrity, empathy and excellence, leaving behind a legacy that inspires future generations of nurses.