Riverside is committed to the success and professional development of our nurses. To support this commitment, we are proud to offer our Nurse Residency Program (NRP), which combines classroom learning, case studies, small group discussions, and precepted clinical practice over a 12-month period. The program’s evidence-based curriculum focuses on leadership, patient outcomes, and professional development.
About the Nurse Residency Program
The Nurse Residency Program is an exciting partnership between Vizient® and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The program provides another layer of support, in addition to the newly licensed nurse’s orientation and preceptorship experience.
The NRP at Riverside Health is offered to all new graduate nurses (NGNs) with less than one year of experience who are hired for one of our acute care facilities:
- Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA
- Riverside Mental Health and Recover Center in Hampton, VA
- Riverside Doctor’s Hospital Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA
- Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, VA
- Riverside Smithfield Hospital (opening in early 2026) in Smithfield, VA
- Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, VA
Advancing Skills and Leadership Potential
Leveraging skills from AACN's Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021), the Nurse Residency Program is uniquely informed on the preparation of nurses and the competencies they possess upon graduation.
Our program supports new graduate nurses in their transition from academia to professional practice by:
- Teaching effective decision-making skills
- Providing clinical nursing leadership when administering care
- Incorporating research-based evidence into practice
- Strengthening their professional commitment to nursing
- Formulating an individual development plan
The Nurse Residency Program does not require a separate application process—it is part of first-year onboarding. All newly graduated RNs hired into Riverside Health System participate in this year-long transition to professional practice program and gain valuable skills and support to advance their nursing career.
The Nurse Residency Program helps newly graduated RNs in their first professional role transition to the fast-paced hospital environment. The program also prepares newly graduated RNs to:
- Care for patients with increasing levels of acuity and complexity in the hospital setting, while improving patient safety and quality of care.
- Develop clinical nursing leadership skills at the point of care.
- Foster critical thinking skills and bring evidence-based practice to the bedside.
- Strengthen commitment to the nursing profession and develop individual career goals.
- Facilitate clinical and leadership skills necessary for newly graduated nurses to be a successful member of the health care team.
Remember, there is no separate application process for the Nurse Residency Program. We offer this program to everyone that meets the criteria listed above. To participate in the Nurse Residency Program, the first step is to apply and accept a position in acute care nursing.
Learn more about Riverside Health Nursing Careers here.
More information
Susan Donston, MSA, BSN, RN, CCRN
Nurse Residency Program Director
Nursing Excellence and Professional Development
[email protected]
757-534-9473
Brittany Snapp, BSN, RNC-MNN, EMT-B
Nurse Residency Program Coordinator
Nursing Excellence and Professional Development
[email protected]
757-534-9532
Amanda (Mandy Stubbs), MSN-Ed., BBA, RN
Nurse Residency Program Coordinator
Nursing Excellence and Professional Development
[email protected]
757-534-9437