CNO advice: Start nurse residencies before students graduate

To better prepare the nursing workforce, CNOs could start nurse residency programs during students’ junior or senior year of nursing school instead of after they graduate, according to an idea floated at the 2024 HealthLeaders CNO Exchange. Students would complete their education and residencies at the same time and be prepared for work upon graduation. Attendees also suggested CNOs identify leaders among their workforce early and invest in growing their careers. Members of the exchange recommended CNOs recruit nurses directly from their community to improve recruitment, retention, representation and potentially reduce workplace violence incidents. Emphasizing community also could result in a more positive message about nursing. (HealthLeaders Media article, 4/29/24)