Training the Trainers: St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Prepares for Nurse Residency Program

Far Rockaway, New York, December 17, 2024 — Nurse educators and frontline team members at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, part of Episcopal Health Services (EHS), completed leadership training in preparation for the kickoff of the health system’s inaugural Nurse Residency Program.

The 12-month initiative, which began Dec. 5, pairs new nursing hires with preceptors to provide training and enhance their skills in an acute setting. The program also reviews policies and procedures to ensure new nurses are well-prepared for their duties.

“The Nurse Residency Program here at EHS will have many benefits, some around cost containment and ensuring that we limit the turnover of our nurses,” said Keisha-Ann Wisdom, DHA, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, EHS Senior Vice President of Patient Services & Chief Nursing Officer. “Most importantly, it will offer a safe space for vulnerability, learning, sharing, investigating the evidence, and answering questions that nurses may see in daily patient care, and build a community among our fellow nurses.”

The Nurse Residency Program, offered through the New York City Nursing Project in partnership with Vizient, is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and funded by New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Talent & Workforce Development Division.

“The Nurse Residency Program affords us a valuable opportunity to strengthen our nursing team to better meet the diverse healthcare needs of our community,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, EHS Chief Executive Officer. “It also offers our new nurses a supportive, learning-focused environment where they feel valued and connected – empowering them to uphold the highest standard of care and create an enhanced patient experience.”

The all-day training, led by Vizient representatives, began with a program overview for stakeholders across the health system. It continued with sessions for nurse educators and frontline workers on topics including, Evidence in Nursing Practice, Content Experts and Engagement Strategies, and Facilitator Training.

“During our training, our team of educators and frontline team members gained valuable insights from our Vizient partners on how to support nurse residents,” said Denise Potts, DNP, MSN-Ed, RNC, EHS Assistant Vice President of Professional Practice. “They left equipped with valuable information, tools and resources.”