A Competency Based Program Supporting the Development of Newly Graduated RNs
Introduction:
This program is designed to enhance the abilities of new graduate registered nurses who have experienced difficulty securing RN employment.
The program leverages the strengths of Samuel Merritt University (SMU) School of Nursing in collaboration with Sutter Medical Center Santa Rosa (SMCSR) in the provision of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences, which serve to build on the prelicensure education of new graduates as they move into professional practice roles.
Program Highlights:
- 15-week session; 24 hrs/week, including 8 hrs didactic, simulation, or project work every 2 weeks.
- Curriculum provided, building on prelicensure competencies.
- Skills assessment at program start will guide an individualized learning plan for each participant.
- Participants share the patient care assignment of an RN preceptor, based on the RN's schedule. Assignments on all shifts are based on opportunities offered by clinical partners. Placement is determined by a number of factors including an interview with the manager of the unit the student desires, location of residence, experience during prelicensure program preceptorship or work-study.
- Completion of a unit based Clinical Based Competency (CBA) skill set.
- Participants who meet all the program requirements receive a certificate of completion from SMU. BSN credit provided. BSN participants may earn MSN credit for completing a graduate level project.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have either an active CA RN license or a current I.P. by March 29, 2012.
- U.S. citizen or documentation of authorization to work in the U.S.
- Have exhausted all usual opportunities for new RN employment. Current or previous paid RN employment in any clinical area negates eligibility for this program.
- Able to work a flexible 24-hr/week schedule.
- Priority will be given to students who graduated from a local school of nursing, reside in Sonoma County, or have had clinical rotations at SMCSR.