Cooper University Health Care's (CUHC) Nurse Residency Program (NRP) complements our new to practice registered nurses’ first two years in clinical practice while building resiliency, promoting a sense of inquiry and fostering empowerment. CUHC NRP is aligned with the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™, which provides a standard, evidenced-based framework and structured curriculum that bridges the gap between nursing theory and professional practice.
In conjunction with subject matter experts, and with support of nursing leadership, CUHC NRP provides a unique opportunity for our new-to-practice registered nurses to develop confidence in clinical decision-making skills, utilize evidence-based nursing in the health care setting, build a community amongst colleagues and cohorts, and to enhance their professional nursing practice.
Eligibility
Once hired, all new-to-practice nurses are enrolled in the NRP. There is no additional application needed. Therefore, candidates should apply to an available registered nurse position of interest through CUHC's job portal -- found here. Our program is designed for Cooper registered nurses who are newly licensed and new-to-practice, or RNs with less than 12 months of hospital-based experience at the time of hire.
What is unique about our program?
Foundationally, the Nurse Residency Program at Cooper is a participant in the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™. The program aims to assist in bridging the gap between nursing theory and professional nursing practice, as well as supporting the new graduate nurse at the bedside.
Our two year NRP integrates a multitude of learning methods and venues including; in-person classes, competencies, hands-on skills, simulation scenarios, computer-based learning, and self-study. The curriculum incorporates topics related to: Communication and Teamwork, Patient and Family Centered Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, and Informatics. Educational and professional development opportunities include preparation for clinical specialty certification, simulation labs focused on managing difficult situations and conversations, and observation / shadowing experiences in other areas of nursing or clinical settings. In addition, the second year nurse residents are encouraged to participate on CUHC Nursing Shared Governance Councils, in nursing councils to further their professional networking and development. Graduation from the NRP includes an evidence-based poster project that is presented during the transition from the first to second year.
Program Objectives
Prior to graduation from the Nurse Residency Program, all registered nurses enrolled in CUHC will develop, and participate in, an evidenced based poster presentation. Additional objectives for the program include the following:
• Preparing new-to-practice registered nurses to expand their critical thinking skills and develop their clinical leadership skills at the bedside
• Applying topics covered during Nurse Residency to every-day clinical practice at the bedside
• Developing critical thinking skills and clinical decision making while continuing to expand upon topics discussed during class(es)
• Reinforcing the importance of evidence-based nursing practice by incorporating topics related to qualitative and quantitative research, process improvement, and institutional policies and procedures
• Fostering professional growth and development with the organization and nursing profession.