Episcopal Health Services Reflects on Nurse Residency Program Success

Far Rockaway, New York, December 19, 2025 — As the first cohort of Episcopal Health Services (EHS)’ Nurse Residency Program completes its year-long transition into clinical practice, the health system is recognizing the success of an approach to nursing education that has delivered measurable impact, including a 90% retention rate among participating nurses.

The program was developed to support newly licensed nurses at one of the most formative stages of their careers. Structured as an accredited transition-to-practice model and supported through the New York City Nursing Project in partnership with Vizient, it represents a broader organizational commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce through intentional investment, evidence-based practice, and aligned leadership.

As part of the curriculum, nurses completed four evidence-based projects focused on reducing blood collection errors, improving identification of patient deterioration, preventing hospital acquired infections related to indwelling foley catheters, and enhancing the nurse medication pass by minimizing interruptions.

“We see the Nurse Residency Program as a catalyst for the next chapter of nursing at EHS,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of EHS. “By nurturing new talent and elevating the practice environment, we are laying the groundwork for long-term transformation in how we care for our patients and support our teams.”

From the outset, executive leaders prioritized resources that support nurses where it matters most, at the point of care. Central to this model is the placement of dedicated, unit-based nurse educators who provide real-time guidance, mentorship, and clinical support within each care setting. This structure enables nurse residents to develop clinical confidence and judgment while remaining fully integrated within their teams.

“Retention is a reflection of support,” said Keisha-Ann Wisdom, DHA, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer at EHS. “When leadership invests in dedicated educators and creates space for learning at the bedside, nurses are better prepared, more confident, and more likely to build their careers here.”

“This program affirms what we know to be true: when new nurses are supported with structure, coaching, and a clear pathway for growth, they flourish,” said Denise Potts, DNP, RN, NE-BC, AVP of Nursing Professional Development & Practice at EHS. “The achievements of this cohort speak to the commitment of our educators, the resilience of our residents, and the unified effort across the organization to cultivate a strong, capable nursing workforce.”

As the cohort concludes the program, the results underscore the impact of sustained organizational buy-in and a shared belief that investing in nurses is essential to workforce stability, quality care, and patient safety.

The Nurse Residency Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of EHS’ nursing strategy, reinforcing a culture of learning, collaboration, and professional growth that strengthens both the nursing workforce and the care delivered to the communities EHS serves.

Nursing students and new graduates seeking future opportunities within EHS’ Nurse Residency Program are encouraged to complete this form at http://tinyurl.com/EHSNRPInterest to be considered for participation.