HCN News & Notes

Baystate Wing Welcomes First Nurse Resident

PALMER — Baystate Wing Hospital and Baystate Health Nurse Residency Program in collaboration with the Vizient and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing™ (Vizient/AACN) welcomed their first new graduate nurse resident, Ashley Renaud, into the Surgical Services Department at Baystate Wing Hospital.

“The Baystate Health Nurse Residency Program is committed to promoting the development of confident nursing staff,” said Cara Chandler, Baystate Health Nurse Residency Manager. “Our Nurse Residency Program is designed to close the experience gap between nursing school and clinical practice at the bedside through mentorship and ongoing education. The pillar of a nurse resident’s success comes from their clinical preceptors, who guide and support new graduate nurses throughout a year as they transition into the role of a professional nurse.”

The Nurse Residency Program curriculum is designed to support newly graduated nurses in their development as professional nurses and members of the health care team. The program offers structured monthly educational seminars to develop confidence and competence in nursing practice, as well as offer exposure to organizational leadership strategies and professional development opportunities. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of care, patient and employee satisfaction, and support new nurses as they develop a commitment to the nursing profession and the hospital.

“No one can successfully get through life without the support and caring of others and the same is true for our careers,” said Tina Paulson, BS, RN, Manager of Surgical Services for Baystate Wing Hospital and Baystate Mary Lane Hospital Outpatient Center. “Our surgical services team has been a personal guide to Ashley as she transitioned into the role of a surgical nurse; we are delighted to have her as a member of our team, she is doing fantastic!”

The program, which includes the Baystate Health integrated healthcare system hospitals, welcomes new graduate nurses in March, July and September each year and offers career opportunities in all areas of care including the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit, allowing nurses to focus on areas that match their interest and career goals.