Advancing New Nurse Graduate Education Through Implementation of Statewide, Standardized Nurse Residency Programs

Establishment of nurse residency programs (NRPs) for newly licensed registered nurses is foundational to new nurse graduates' transition and retention. This article describes the implementation of a statewide, standardized, scientific, and sustainable NRP model. Through multiyear coalition building among hospital and academic nurse leaders and in partnership with professional organizations and a government agency, the state of Maryland's Action Coalition successfully formed the Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative under the auspices of the Maryland Organization for Nurse Leaders. A standardized and validated NRP was implemented statewide across acute-care hospitals of diverse sizes, populations, and geography. Through the use of innovative partnerships and funding mechanisms, the number of standardized NRPs increased from two in 2012 to 22 by 2016. Hospitals with NRPs demonstrated a 6% to 10% reduction in voluntary turnover rates, equating to approximately $17.6 million in annual statewide cost savings. The statewide model is easily scalable, transferable, and replicable. Achieving the national goal of making NRPs available to all newly graduated nurses hinges on strong leaders, partners, and innovators who can unite and transform practices.