Eight registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

The program began in July, and the nurses spent the first three weeks in a classroom setting. The remainder of training focused on clinical experience, one-on-one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on-the-job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.

The RN Residency class included Kelsey Belzer, Caitlin Gabel, Gabriela Garcia, Nick Knickerbocker, Ciara Kroeker, Lindsay Mattison, Sarah McDonald and Omelia Thomas.

The RN Residency Program at HaysMed is one of only two in the state and has been offered since 2008. Shari Hertel, RN, heads the program and has oversight of all the training.

“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” Hertel said. “Our program is evidence-based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”

Currently, there are 19 nurses scheduled in the next program, which begins July 10. The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs who have less than one year of acute care experience.