SNFs included in Rhode Island’s first nurse residency program

This summer, The Rhode Island Action Coalition for the Future of Nursing, along with its partners, will launch the first statewide clinical nursing residency program. The goal is to improve patient care, while teaching unemployed nurses new skills and giving nurse graduates valuable experience working in nursing homes, hospitals and clinics.

Another program goal is to ensure that qualified nursing professionals will fill the gap as nurses retire. Selected participants will practice and gain experience in all three settings and receive a stipend during their residencies, which could last up to nine months.

This program has been in development since a 2010 Institute of Medicine Future of Nursing recommendation.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island are among the many public/private supporters of the initiative, including Rhode Island colleges, hospitals and healthcare systems.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.