Transition-to-Practice Residency Program receives reaccreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

One of Presbyterian's most powerful recruiting programs has attained re-accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The ANCC's Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) develops new nursing graduates and nurses with less than one year in the field by offering a highly structured year-long program which includes intensive immersive clinical experiences in on-unit preceptorships, didactic training and simulation labs. Available specialties include perioperative, emergency department, critical care, pediatrics, medical-surgical and progressive care. There are currently 33 residents in the program.

The program launched in 2015 and received initial ANCC accreditation in 2017. Re-accreditation is required every four years, with ongoing data collection culminating in a rigorous application and review process.

Between March and August of 2021, the Clinical Education Residency team developed a 500-page self-study demonstrating how the program meets the five domains of ANCC PTAP requirements across 45 categories. In the virtual visit with the ANCC PTAP national appraisers, the Presbyterian team demonstrated how every category met or exceeded criteria. The virtual visit included present and past residents, preceptors, unit management, executive nursing leadership, the Residency Program Coordinators, Data Analyst, Program Manager and Director of Clinical Education. On December 13, the Presbyterian team learned of the residency reaccreditation award.

"The ANCC accreditation signals that all operations either align with or go above national standards," says Johanna Stiesmeyer, DNP, RN., PDS Director of Clinical Education.

It also helps Presbyterian to attract and recruit candidates. Locally, the prestige of ANCC accreditation makes Presbyterian an employer of choice. Nationally, it helps give Presbyterian a competitive edge.

Data shows that residency programs help increase retention. Johanna recalls that her own residency experience as a new graduate RN strengthened her commitment and helped her acclimate to her new profession. "We support residents during a vulnerable time in their careers," she says. "Going from school to the reality of practicing any profession is challenging. And, as nurses, people's lives are in our hands."