Workforce Innovation Nursing Network (WINN) Project :

Colorado Rural New Graduate Nurse Residency

The Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence (The Center) has been awarded a sponsorship by the U.S. Department of Labor for a new nurse residency apprenticeship program focused on supporting new graduate nurses’ transition to practice.  

Enrollment is Open!

Keep reading to see if you qualify for our upcoming cohort

The Workforce Innovation Nursing Network (WINN) program aims to make the transition to practice smoother by providing new nurses with the support they need to quickly get up to speed and serve as an invaluable clinical resource for rural healthcare facilities in need of additional staff. The curriculum and support the nurses receive promote leadership development, enhance critical thinking skills, and allows a newly graduated registered nurse opportunities to grow and transition into practice in rural settings, while afforded ongoing education and support.

Improve Access to Health Care

The Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence is seeking to partner with healthcare facilities serving communities throughout the state that would benefit from the resources this program provides. Utilization of apprenticeship dollars for post-licensure nurses meets the need of the healthcare workforce, the state, and local communities.

The Program

This is a blended curriculum providing continuing education from both the University of Iowa and The Center.  Employers in need of clinical staff can participate at minimal cost allowing them to recruit, retain and expand their nursing staff with newly licensed registered nurses.  Additional employer support is built into the program to ensure effective implementation.

The Curriculum

In addition to the continuing education included in the Iowa Nurse Residency Program, The Center will provide content in the following areas:

• Transition to Practice
• Critical Thinking
• Communication and Teamwork Time
• Management and Prioritization
• Patient-Centered Care
• Culturally Responsive Care
• Delivering Safe Patient Care Quality
• Healthcare Finance
• Incorporating Evidence into Practice
• Self-Care and Work/Life Balance

RESIDENT PARTICIPATION

Resident apprentices will receive continuing education while working in a clinical setting. The education supports the continued growth in areas of critical thinking and reasoning skills needed for the transition from education to practice. Residents will also be paired with a designated mentor that will guide the nurse through the program. The starting salary for participants will be increased after 6 months in the program and then again at program completion. 

For the resident, there are no out of pocket expenses to participate in this program. 

Resident Participation Requirements & Expectations

• Resident must have secured employment with a participating rural employer
• Valid State of Colorado Nursing License
• Participate in monthly educational programs to include synchronous discussions and asynchronous online modules
• Completion and delivery/implementation of one evidence-based project
• Attendance and participation in scheduled mentorship calls
• Monthly progress meeting with preceptor
• Commit to remain with the sponsoring employer for a minimum of 2 years

EMPLOYER PARTICIPATION

Employers can participate with minimal cost to the organization. The results of the program not only include a well-trained nurse resident but also builds a strong preceptor to support this resident and future employees.

Participation Requirements

• Registration with Department of Labor as an Apprenticeship/Residency Employer
• Signed Employment Acceptance Agreement with Department of Labor
• Follow salary guidelines outlined in the Employment Acceptance Agreement
• Recruit, hire and enroll new graduate Registered Nurses into the program
• Offer flexible schedule for resident to complete education modules monthly
• Participate in quarterly program status calls
• Provide a staff registered nurse to serve as a preceptor for the resident for one year
• Provide customary onboarding education for the resident as a new employee of the organization
• Support DOL reporting requirements

To get started, please complete the Contact Form above. For additional information contact our project lead directly: Tondeleyo@ColoradoNursingCenter.org