About the Program
Rutgers University School of Nursing -Camden
Nurse Practitioner Residency Program
Funded by the HRSA Advanced Nursing Education-Nurse Practitioner Residency Fellowship (ANE-NPRF) Grant
Program Purpose
The residency program aims to provide transition to practice and advanced training for new graduate Nurse Practitioners in primary care settings, to enhance their clinical competency and readiness, and improve patient outcomes in medically underserved areas.
Program Need
The primary care shortage in the United States is a significant problem. This shortage is driven by several factors, including an aging population, a growing demand for primary care services, and a limited supply of new primary care providers. Nurse Practitioners have emerged as a potential solution to the primary care shortage by working independently or in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers in a variety of settings. This flexibility allows Nurse Practitioners to work in areas with the greatest need, such as rural and underserved communities where the shortage of primary care providers is most acute.
Program Goals
Increase access to quality primary care, behavioral and/or maternal providers through the placement of NP residents in rural and urban, underserved community-based settings.
Primary care is the foundation of the healthcare system, and access to primary care is essential to promoting and maintaining the health of individuals and populations. However, access to primary care is often limited, particularly in rural and urban communities. Rural communities face the challenge of a shortage of healthcare professionals, including primary care providers, while urban communities often experience a lack of access to care due to issues such as transportation, language barriers, and limited availability of healthcare providers. As healthcare continues to evolve and demand for primary care services increases, Nurse Practitioners will continue to play an important role in meeting the patient’s primary care needs.
Strengthen the clinical competency and readiness for practice of new primary care NPs through didactic and clinical training that equips participants with skills and knowledge to provide care for the complex co-morbidities and multi-level chronic health needs.
Nurse Practitioner residency programs provide the structured experience that employers and new graduates seek to transition to practice with guidance and supervision from experienced mentors. Residency programs can support new Nurse Practitioners or those transitioning to new areas of practice, by providing the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and management skills, help formalize the Nurse Practitioner’s identity as a provider, and affirm their confidence as they take on their new roles. The Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden prides itself on forward-focused curricula rooted in the community’s needs that serve as its home. The residency program seeks to expand population-based health services to the most high-risk, vulnerable residents throughout southern New Jersey through improved access to care, primarily focused on preventing disease and the complex care needs of patients.
Promoting wellness and resiliency in the Nurse Practitioner workforce
The residency program will help to promote wellness and resiliency for Nurse Practitioners in the workforce as it is crucial for maintaining high-quality patient care and preventing burnout. In the residency program Nurse Practitioners are provided with opportunities for peer support and mentorship, that build a sense of community and connection. Peer support and mentorship also provides a safe space for discussing challenges and sharing experiences, to reduce feelings of isolation and burnout.