Supporting the Nursing Workforce at MyMichigan Health

Through MyMichigan Health’s Specialty Unit Nurse Residency Program, nurses early in their career are given a smoother, more comfortable and rewarding transition to the field. The program, which began in July of 2018, has graduated 11 cohorts of nurses (with the 12th underway). Specialty units included within the program include the Critical Care Unit, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and Progressive Care Unit. During the sixmonth program, nurses work full-time on their unit with oversight from a preceptor. Nurses are never alone while beginning their career in a fast-paced and sophisticated nursing unit; they are offered at-your-side support and assistance in obtaining relevant certifications. The program also includes nursing professional activities that are necessary for the unit, including classwork, simulation and didatic training, as well as an evidence-based practice exercise. In addition, these residents attend Transition to Practice sessions and are part of MyMichigan’s new Graduate Nurse Residency Program. 

“The residency program taught me how to use all the resources available to me as a new nurse,” said Madelyn, a program participant. “For six months, you always have another brain, set of eyes and pair of hands to turn to if something feel uncomfortable. The Nurse Residency Program allows you to become more and more comfortable in uncomfortable situations” 

Katie Franczak, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, also spoke highly of the program. “There were many classes offered within the program that helped me transition from a new nurse to a confident, seasoned nurse,” said Franczak.