Many people say that your first year as a nurse is the most difficult one.
During that first year, you may face new challenges and learn many new things— both about being a nurse and about yourself. It can be busy and stressful, but it can also be exciting.
As a first-year nurse, you will meet many new colleagues and get a feel for your working environment. You will get to work with real patients and support them in their health journeys.
But just because the first year of nursing is challenging, does not mean you have to go through it alone.
At Chester County Hospital,
The Nurse Residency Program is here to make the transition from the classroom to the clinical environment easier. From dedicated educational staff to hands-on seminars, the residency program at Chester County Hospital makes all the difference for our new nurses.
How Does the Nurse Residency Program Work?
There are many different kinds of residency programs, and no two are alike. At Chester County Hospital, The Nurse Residency Program is designed for new-to-practice and first-year nurses, and it will support you as you enter the hospital setting.
If you just graduated nursing school or have less than six months of nursing experience, you will automatically be enrolled into The Nurse Residency Program upon being hired at Chester County Hospital.
The Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month program coordinated through Chester County Hospital’s partnership with Penn Medicine and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program will help you move from novice to expert while you sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of nursing.
"Throughout a new nurse's first year, they will participate in eight seminars, in a hybrid format," says Nurse Residency Facilitator Lisa Iozzo — one of the dedicated staff members that new nurses will meet. "The program is a mixture of virtual and live seminars designed to help new-to-practice nurses manage the transition."
These seminars focus on hands-on and project-based learning, skill development and various special topics. In addition to these eight seminars, new-to-practice nurses are also encouraged to attend optional weekly virtual rounding sessions that offer additional psychosocial and professional support.
"At Chester County Hospital, you're going to get the support that you need to be successful," says Sonya Hash, Director of Nursing Professional Development. "We give you the tools, knowledge, skills and emotional support to be the best nurse you can be."
What Makes Someone a Good Nurse for Chester County Hospital?
New-to-practice nurses will go through the Nurse Residency Program with a cohort of other nurses who were hired at the same time. There are around seven cohorts beginning at different times throughout the year, with the next two cohorts beginning in August and September 2022.
With cohorts beginning multiple times throughout the year, it is never a bad time to apply to join the Chester County Hospital nursing team.
"What makes a great nurse is someone who is team-oriented, engaged, positive, and flexible," says Sonya. "That’s what you want in every nurse, and those characteristics also make for a very good resident."
"Our nurses truly treat patients and colleagues like family members," adds Lisa. "They exemplify the Chester County Hospital ICARE Values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, and they bring these values to every single interaction they have with patients, families, and coworkers. I think that is a good representation of a nurse residency candidate and also a Chester County Hospital nurse in general."
Chester County Hospital's Vision Statement:
"To be the leading provider of care in the region and a national model for quality, service excellence and fiscal stewardship."
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Join Our Team
Whether you talk to a nurse, doctor or administrator at Chester County Hospital, one thing that is often mentioned is the culture. Many describe Chester County Hospital as feeling like a home or a family.
"The culture at Chester County Hospital is very positive and very palpable," Lisa says. "Our nurses here are very self-directed learners, they demonstrate a spirit of inquiry, and they feel like their voice is heard. The residency program is no different. I think our new-to-practice nurses are immediately immersed in that positive atmosphere and really feel supported throughout their journey."
The Nurse Residency Program is excited to welcome new cohorts this fall, and we hope you consider being a part of the program.
If you are a new-to-practice nurse interested in joining the Chester County Hospital team, complete an interest form, and a career representative will reach out to you.