As a new graduate nurse, you have many important choices to make that will launch your career, and there are several hospitals offering new graduate programs. How will you choose the one that’s right for you?
The Backus Nurse Residency Program is the only one of its kind in eastern Connecticut that offers you the most complete nurse residency program available.
This innovative and progressive program has been in place since 2009 and continues to attract new graduate nurses from all over the country who are committed to establishing a sophisticated and unshakable foundation in the way they deliver care while providing exceptional patient experience. It is designed to provide comprehensive learning that builds on your academic knowledge to prepare you with the skills to thrive in our ever-changing healthcare landscape and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies.
This innovative program offers the following components:
Clinical immersion experiences at the bedside with a RN Preceptor who will facilitate the expansion of your clinical repertoire, share their knowledge and expertise, assist with decision making, and help you develop critical thinking. This residency dedicates nearly 75 percent of its time to these immersion experiences for 12 weeks. Nurse residents are hired directly into their positions and specialties where they will receive focused elements for a specific population or level of care. The specialty areas offered will vary based on the needs of the hospital. Previous areas offered include: Medical/ Surgical; Critical Care; Emergency Services; Surgical Services; Infusion Center, and Psychiatric Services.
*Please note: The available specialty areas are subject to change, and may vary from cohort to cohort.
Problem-based learning and simulation laboratory education comprise about 25 percent of the program. Your curriculum is a shared responsibility. The clinical learning parameters are first set by your RN Clinical Coaches and the direction and depth of your acquired knowledge rests on your engagement, clinical inquiry, and your resourcefulness while working in teams.
Reflective supervision and support is offered by experienced and trained facilitators to allow you a confidential and supportive place to express concerns and develop practical tools to deal with the stress of being a new RN.
Being a Backus Nurse Resident is a paid job, and Nurses are hired directly to the units they will be employed. Following successful completion of the clinical immersion phase nurses will transition to working in their hired positions as staff. Nurse residents must be able to work any shift (days, evenings, or nights) but are primarily hired to nights. Professional development opportunities are provided to Nurse Residents for the remainder of the one-year period through seminars, simulation laboratory experiences, and monthly check-in meetings with RN Clinical Coaches and Clinical Nurse Educators.
Admission to the program
Admission to the Backus Nurse Residency Program is highly competitive, and applications are ongoing with programs starting throughout the year.
To apply, please visit the online application portal.
Email questions to EastRegionClinicalExcellence@hhchealth.org.
Information Sessions
Join us at one of our upcoming information sessions.
Email EastRegionClinicalExcellence@hhchealth.org for upcoming dates and times.