The Journey of a Home Care Nurse Residency Program

Abstract

UnityPoint at Home launched a Nurse Residency Program to attract newly licensed registered nurses to begin their career in home healthcare. The program broadened recruitment options by providing new graduates with a dedicated program to ease transition into the workforce, and allowed us to cultivate relationships with regional nursing education programs. Since its inception 3 years ago, the residency program has expanded to several organizational regions and added a hospice track. The 1-year retention rate is 93%, and for those who entered the program 2 or more years ago, the retention rate is 89%. The purpose of this article is to describe the journey of UnityPoint at Home's Nurse Residency Program, from development of the pilot to integration in several organizational regions.

2022 IHCNO Research Award

“…Findings of the study will provide valuable information to support home health nurses toward achieving confidence and autonomy in their practice. The findings can support the development of clinical education for prelicensure students as well as education of licensed nurses to increase their skills and knowledge in home care residency programs (Linscheid & Bell, 2021), the transition of practice to the home care setting, and the clinical learning of experi-enced nurses on their journey toward expertise (Hinck, 2021). The purpose of the pilot study titled Bringing Nursing Home: Examining the Effectiveness of Home Care Simulation Among Practicing Home Care Nurses is to examine the effectiveness of home care simulation toward achieving autonomy and confidence among practicing home care nurses.…”

“…Findings of the study will provide valuable information to support home health nurses toward achieving confidence and autonomy in their practice. The findings can support the development of clinical education for prelicensure students as well as education of licensed nurses to increase their skills and knowledge in home care residency programs (Linscheid & Bell, 2021), the transition of practice to the home care setting, and the clinical learning of experienced nurses on their journey toward expertise (Hinck, 2021).…”

Becoming an Expert Home Health Nurse

“…Becoming an Expert Home Health Nurse because hospital or emergency department discharges with hospital-at-home programs may suggest that inpatient nursing skills easily transfer to home settings. Some home health agencies require at least 1 year of inpatient clinical practice before hire, but others hire new graduates and may provide a residency program (Linscheid & Bell, 2021;Meadows, 2009). Even for experienced nurses, the change from being an expert in one setting to an advanced beginner in a new setting feels uncomfortable, challenging self-image and one's sense of self-worth.…”

“…Some home health agencies require at least 1 year of inpatient clinical practice before hire, but others hire new graduates and may provide a residency program (Linscheid & Bell, 2021; Meadows, 2009). Even for experienced nurses, the change from being an expert in one setting to an advanced beginner in a new setting feels uncomfortable, challenging self-image and one's sense of self-worth.…”