Impact of a 6-Month Post-BSN Residency in Primary Care in Developing Regional Capacity for RN Integration

This presentation outlines program results since 2019 of a 6-month intensive university led post-baccalaureate residency/fellowship designed to prepare practice ready RNs in primary care. This program is part of a HRSA-funded program with specific goals to enhance capacity of BSN-RNs prepared to work to their full scope of practice in primary care settings and to develop RNs with skills to be able to articulate the value proposition of the expanded role in community-based primary care settings .

Presenters will provide outcome data from the residency/fellowship program, which has, in addition to developing highly trained RNs for practice in primary care, also supported integration of RNs into the primary team through partnerships with area practices.

The competency-based curriculum was developed using “reverse engineering” through intentional data collection from practice partners and RNs practicing in primary care. The robust program includes practicum immersion, didactic continuing credit-bearing modules, and a variety of simulation experiences, to support development of skills in addressing medical emergencies in the primary care setting, conducting annual wellness visits, interprofessional co-visits with social work, and development of telephonic assessment skills, including use of telephone triage protocols.

Of the 25 program participants to date, 43% were new graduates. Of four cohorts who have completed the program to date, an average of 81% are practicing in community and primary care settings. Additionally, through partnerships and technical assistance provided by the university to multiple agencies, practice partners have experienced significant expansion of RNs being embedded into the practice. Program graduates have assumed both clinical and leadership roles within the agencies in which they fulfilled their residency/fellowship practicum.

The presenters will also discuss future sustainability plans as well as lessons learned to inform other agency and health systems interested in developing primary care-focused residency/fellowship programs.