Newly Licensed Nurse Residency Program receives national accreditation

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) sets the global standard for residency or fellowship programs that transition registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses into new practice settings. This year, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s Newly Licensed Nurse (NLN) Residency Program earned ANCC PTAP designation.

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s NLN Residency Program is designed to support exceptional new nurses in their successful transition to practice. NLNs accepted into the program begin their nursing career in a cohort model and receive structured education, professional development and support over a 12-month period. Within their cohort, NLNs receive expert guidance from Nursing Professional Development Managers and peer support among other NLNs. Through instructive classes and other professional development activities, NLNs build critical thinking skills and transition from novice to competent nursing practice.

For NLNs in the program, the experience is invaluable. Margaret Wogbeh, BSN, RN, who participated in the March 2022 cohort says, “My experience as an NLN at BWFH has been exciting. It allowed me to grow and become more confident in delivering safe and high-quality care to patients. I also developed great skills through the NLN program that I currently use with my patients.”

Also part of the March 2022 cohort was Hannah Collins, BSN, RN. She says, “I was so nervous to be a nurse especially in this day and age and felt as though because I went to school during the pandemic and did a lot of virtual clinicals that I was not ready. What drew me to this NLN program was the support and teaching. I was gradually introduced via the classes and my preceptor to take on more and more responsibility until I had confidence in myself that I was ready. Every single person who helped me along the way, and there were many, were kind, supportive and genuine. Even now that I am off orientation, I know that I can always ask questions and ask for help.”

In order to earn ANCC PTAP designation, the Department of Nursing needed to meet ANCC evidence-based criteria to demonstrate the program’s excellence in transitioning nurses to new practice settings. “It was a big job. We had to complete a formal gap analysis and submit a comprehensive self-study that required 38 written narratives with supporting documentation demonstrating how our program meets established criteria. We then had a virtual site visit by the ANCC PTAP accreditation team,” says Professional Development Program Manager for Nursing Orientation and Transition to Practice Jennifer Capone, MSN, RN, who led the department’s efforts. “I am so thankful for the support from my colleagues who helped make this happen.”

Upon learning of BWFH’s accreditation during a call with ANCC PTAP Director Sheri Cosme DNP, RN, NPD-BC, which was attended by Capone and Department of Nursing leadership, BWFH’s Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services Cori Loescher, MM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, said, “We are so thrilled to have achieved this designation under Jenn’s leadership. This is very exciting for all of us.”

To learn more about BWFH’s NLN Residency Program and hear from participants, click here.

Published 11/30/22