RESIDENCY PROGRAM/STUDENT AFFILIATIONS

Students come to Broadlawns Medical Center from:

• Des Moines Area Community College
• Grand View University
• Indian Hills Community College
• Kaplan University
• Mercy College of Health Sciences

Students come for various clinical experiences throughout the hospital and clinics.
Preceptorships, with one student specifically working with one Broadlawns Medical Center registered nurse over the course of a semester, are particularly rewarding experiences, both for the student and the nurse.

NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

The New Graduate Nurse Residency Program at Broadlawns Medical Center is designed to improve recruitment of new graduate nurses and the retention of those new graduate nurses, as well as integrate the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of new graduate nurses into clinical practice. The organization recognizes that this program will play a vital role in the clinical and professional development of nurses.

The New Graduate Nurse Residency Program is a 13-week program for nurses who have recently completed their education and have scheduled their nursing board examination. Throughout the thirteen weeks, the new nurse graduate will work one-on-one with a preceptor from his or her unit. The preceptor and new graduate will work together to create an optimal learning experience that will prepare the new graduate nurse to work in an independent manner at Broadlawns Medical Center. Unit orientation will be mixed with classroom sessions including educational lectures and one-on-one skills practice.

New Graduate Nurse Qualifications

• Successful graduation from an accredited nursing program.
• The nurse will have taken and passed the nurse licensure exam within six weeks of hire at Broadlawns Medical Center.

Goals of the Program

• Nurses will acquire basic knowledge, skills and judgment through direct instruction and supervision from a preceptor.
• Nurses in the program will complete competencies required for safe, ethical and effective nursing practice.
• Nurses will be provided guidance, counseling and socialization into the nursing profession.
• Nurses will experience increased job satisfaction through successful entry into the nursing profession.
• The quality of care provided to patients will be enhanced.

Preceptor Role

• Serve as a professional role model.
• Act as an advisor/counselor for professional growth and development.
• Be open to build a trusting, respectful and supportive relationship.
• Be able to communicate effectively and give appropriate feedback in a timely manner.
• Share passion and enthusiasm for the nursing profession.
• Invest time and energy into being a partner.
• Exhibit patience and empathy.
• Serve as a guide in matters relating to Broadlawns Medical Center’s goals, values, vision and culture.
• Establish objective and measurable goals

Nurse Residents Role
The success of the new nurse graduate will be achieved through dedication to the residency program. The nurse must be willing to:

• Seek advice and guidance from the preceptor.
• Share needs and goals.
• Actively listen to their preceptor and ask questions to clarify understanding.
• Strive for continual learning.
• Commit to the goals, values and vision of the organization.

Program Highlights

• The New Graduate Nurse Residency Program is the only one of its kind in the Des Moines Metro area.
• The program was created “by nurses for nurses.”
• Experienced nurses looking for a new opportunity may participate in sections of the program as desired to gain more experience when starting a career at Broadlawns Medical Center.
• The program begins in each of the following months: January, March, June and September.
• Upon completion of the program, the participants begin a year-long mentorship program.

Anyone interested in the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program at Broadlawns Medical Center may contact the Human Resources Department at 515.282.2310.