The intern program is a series of learning and work experiences designed to support graduate nurses as they transition into their first professional position. Nurse Interns must commit to a 1-year internship requirement and participate in all events.

Phase 1: First 6 Months of Employment

• Attend General Nursing Orientation and computer classes. Following these classes, each nurse resident then works 4 weeks with an assigned preceptor. During this time there is a Graduate Nurse Welcome Breakfast.
• Attend specialty nursing classes required based on the unit of hire:
  • Dysrhythmia Recognition
  • Advanced Medication Therapy
  • Pediatric Assessment
  • Aeration Assessment and Management
  • Mechanical Ventilation
  • Neurological Assessment and ICP Monitoring
  • Heart and Renal Transplant Resources
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring
• Continue to work with assigned preceptor for total of 8 to 10 weeks.
• Attend monthly 4-hour workshops on the following topics:
  • Stress management and self care
  • Organization of data and managing the delivery of care
  • Changing patient condition and code blue review
  • End-of-life care
  • Shared governance
  • Team building and diversity
    (Support groups will be a part of these workshops.)
• Attend Journeys social events.
• Complete all written surveys.

Phase 2: Second 6 Months of Employment

• Attend bi-monthly 4-hour workshops that are designed to enhance critical thinking skills and the ability to manage outcome data to promote patient safety. Support groups continue to be a part of these workshops.
• Attend Journeys social events.
• Complete all written surveys.
• Attend end-of-year celebration.

Designated Graduate Nurse Advisors continually follow and provide support to all nurse Interns during the first year of employment.