Nurse Residency Program
What is Valley View’s Nurse Residency Program and what does it have to offer?

Valley View’s Nurse Residency Program (NRP) in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is an evidence-based, transition to practice program designed for the recent graduate of an RN program or an RN with less than one year of experience. The goal of the program is to support nurses through the transition into a professional nursing career. The program has a holistic approach, focusing on the elements of a critical thinking and competency, as well as wellness and self-care. Our program includes collaboration with a department specific preceptors, clinical nurse facilitators, and provides support and resources to facilitate educational and professional growth.
In 2008, Valley View recognized the need for the new nursing graduate to have a supportive and structured transition from nursing school to being a practicing nurse. In order to meet the needs of our nurse residents, Valley View achieved accreditation with distinction as a Practice Transition Program (PTAP) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in 2018 and 2021. Valley View will reaccredit PTAP in 2025.
During the new graduates first year, nurse residents work together to complete evidence-based practice projects (EBPs) focused on quality improvement. These projects’ goal is to contribute to patient safety and improving the patient experience. Nurse residents present their EBP projects to peers and hospital leadership. The EBP project is scaffolded and embedded in the yearlong courses. Each nurse resident will be assigned a mentor in addition to their facilitator to ensure support and success.
What our Colorado nurse resident program offers
Valley View NRP is a 12-month formal, structured program that includes a robust orientation to our hospital and its culture, as well as clinical orientation during the first two weeks of employment. Nurse residents will start in their departments on the third week of employment and meet with each other for monthly classes throughout the rest of the year to discuss important topics with the new graduate nurse. Our interdisciplinary team is dedicated to the nurse resident success and serves as guest speakers throughout the year.
- The NRP offers an evidence-based curriculum, classroom instruction, clinical lab and simulation activities, a precepted clinical experience, and mentorship. You’ll have many opportunities to put your knowledge into practice.
- Our NRP is dedicated to growing our own, and nurse residents are valued as the future of the organization. Preceptors, mentors and leadership support you as you transition to your professional nursing position.
- The NRP supports the whole nurse. Classes dive into topics such as professional development, peer support and building confidence. Each cohort builds strong bonds and participates in official and unofficial service projects and hiking, biking or river trips. Classes also focus on self-care and work-life balance.
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Candidates must have graduated (or anticipate graduation) from an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN) within the past 12 months of a cohort start date.
Employment is contingent upon passing NCLEX and obtaining a Colorado or multistate compact registered nurse license. This is not required to apply, but is requested by the start of the program.
Nurse residents must work full-time positions throughout the program and be prepared and able to work weekends, holidays and twelve hour days/nights per department requirements.
Nurse residents commit to the yearlong program and a two-year commitment to Valley View which begins when the nurse resident has completed clinical department orientation.
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Attend, actively participate and complete all activities in the program including attending classes, projects, online courses, small groups, labs, simulations career planning, and evidenced-based projects (EBPs). All of the program activities take place during paid hours.
Residency seminar topics
As a nurse resident, you may have the opportunity to participate in the following seminars:
– Interdisciplinary communication and complex patient management
– Care of the SI and behavioral health patient
– Review of nursing skills including urinary catheters, pain management, chest tubes, nasogastric tubes, IV therapy, assessment skills, blood transfusions, oxygen delivery devices, rhythm interpretation, skin and wound care and pediatric care
– Trauma informed care
– Medication safety
– Sepsis
– Code management and mock code simulations
– Stress management
– Drug diversion
– Time management, prioritizing, and delegation
– Stress, sleep and compassion fatigue
– Nurse incivility
– Crucial conversations -
Applying for a Position
Valley View’s NRP has two cohorts annually; typically cohorts start in late January/early February and July.
Candidates will apply through Valley View’s career section. Departments that have open positions will be available to view when accessing the application. Each department director will review the candidates’ applications, cover letters and resumes and extend invitations to interview. The nurse recruiter or NRP coordinator will call to schedule these interviews. The NRP director, NRP coordinator, the nursing director and/or manager of a specified department, nursing educator, preceptor, and nursing staff members may be present during the interview. Occasionally, if the area in which you chose is full, you may be offered to interview for a position for which you did not apply. This is because other managers are also interested in you.
If you are selected for the upcoming NRP at Valley View, you will receive a phone call from either the NRP coordinator or the director of the department that is offering the position. If you were not chosen to be a nurse resident at Valley View, the NRP coordinator will reach out with a phone call.
Once you accept the position, you will work with human resources to complete any outstanding application requirements and begin the onboarding process. If you are a current employee, you will still be required to complete orientation with your cohort.
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Valley View Hospital – Acute Care, Family Birth Place, Critical Care, Emergency Department/Urgent Care Center, Surgical Services (Day Surgery, Operating Room, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit), Endoscopy
Ambulatory Care Track – Internal Medicine, Spine Center, Lung Center, Heart and Vascular Center, Roaring Fork Family Practice, Pediatric Partners, Women’s Health, Eagle Clinic, Valley Ortho, Gastroenterology Center, and Rocky Mountain Urology Center.
Calaway • Young Cancer Center – Oncology
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More information to come.
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– Medical, Dental, Vision for you and eligible dependents
– Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA)
– Life and Disability Insurance
– Generous Paid Time Off Accrual
– Tuition Assistance
– Retirement Savings Plans (401a and 403b)
– Employee Assistance Program
– Employee Discount on Valley View Medical Services
– Corporate Ski Passes
– Others: Discounted RFTA passes, discounted gym memberships, free car seat for new Valley View babies born or adopted by Valley View Moms and Dads
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more questions please email Aubrey Glenn (Aubrey.Glenn@vvh.org) or call 970-384-7349