Wythe County Community Hospital Launches Nurse Residency Program to Boost Retention and Career Growth

Wythe County Community Hospital has introduced a new nurse residency program based on an apprenticeship model to help new nurses transition from school to practice. The program is structured around three key elements: a supportive transition framework, clear career advancement pathways, and continuous engagement and feedback. Over the course of 12 months, nurse residents progress through clinical competence, culture transition, and leadership development phases, guided by experienced nurse preceptors. The program concludes with a Capstone project, allowing participants to showcase their growth and contributions.

Amid the national nursing shortage, the initiative aims to improve nurse retention by providing essential training and mentorship. Early results from pilot locations indicate strong success, with 93% of participating nurses remaining in their roles—far exceeding industry averages. The program is also a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the U.S. Department of Labor, reinforcing its commitment to developing skilled, confident, and resilient nurses.