UP Health System - Bell Celebrates First Graduate of RN Resident Program

Emma Bleau, RN (center), is pictured with Senior Nursing Officer June Hanson and Clinical Educator Melissa Perry, RN. 

UP Health System – Bell (UPHS – Bell) is celebrating the first graduate of its Registered Nurse (RN) Resident Apprenticeship Program. Emma Bleau, RN, joined the program upon its launch in August of 2023 and went on to successfully complete all requirements, including more than 2,100 hours of dedicated work.

The year-long program, created for nurses just starting out their careers, is designed to offer support as they develop proficiency in their new role.

“The RN Apprenticeship Program helped to reinforce what I had learned in nursing school,” said Emma. “It helped me gain confidence as a new grad out in the real world.”

As a capstone project, Emma worked with her managers in Labor & Delivery to streamline the postpartum discharge process. As a result of her work, a standardized postpartum discharge education checklist has been implemented in the Family Birthing Center, ensuring that patients receive education on all appropriate topics before discharge—an important preparation for the transition of caring for an infant, as well as themselves, at home.

“We’re proud of Emma and the growth she’s experienced in this program,” said Clinical Educator Melissa Perry, RN. “Throughout the last year, she’s demonstrated successful achievement of all assigned competencies as evidenced by delivery of safe, competent and quality patient care in accordance with facility standards and policies. She stands as a testament of how this model is beneficial for both our nursing staff and our facility as a whole.”

About the Program

Transitioning from the classroom to a competent bedside nurse can be a difficult and intimidating journey for new nurses. Lifepoint Health launched this initiative to help new nurses achieve a smooth adjustment to their new role. It’s open to new graduate nurses with less than one year of experience.

Eligible nurses at UPHS – Bell are automatically enrolled in the program as nurse residents, and over their first twelve months of employment, are guided through three structured phases – clinical competence, culture transition and leadership development. Throughout each phase, nurses experience a blend of learning through online training, on-the-job training, and reflection and integration with preceptor and mentor support with designated nurses who are qualified, driven and compassionate. The program culminates in the completion of a Capstone project, which ties together the resident’s first year of work, individually and with their team, and demonstrates the personal impact they have made in the workplace.

Upon completion of the program, graduates can expect the following benefits:

• Continuous support from experienced mentors and preceptors
• Competitive pay rates
• Program tuition reimbursement (when eligible or enrolled in a current course)
• Expansive benefit package with generous paid time off
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Supportive leadership and culture

To learn more, visit Registered Nurse Resident Apprenticeship Program (uphealthsystem.com).