Transforming transitions: cutting-edge training for new nurses in outpatient settings
The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ is excited to announce the collaboration with the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) to enhance its curriculum with specialized ambulatory care content. The integrated curriculum equips newly licensed nurses with the skills needed for the growing complexity of outpatient care, improving transitions to practice and reducing turnover. By integrating AAACN’s expertise, the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program ensures comprehensive support for nurses across both acute and ambulatory care settings to promote quality and safety and reduce newly licensed turnover in all care settings.
Introduction and history
The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP) effectively supports newly licensed nurses transitioning into their first professional role (nurse residents). The program began in 2002 as a multi-site research study based on the need to support and retain nurses in the profession. Support for the NRP increased significantly after the National Council of State Boards of Nursing published a paper and the National Academy of Medicine’s (formally Institute of Medicine’s) (2011) report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health , endorsed the implementation of a transition-to-practice model for all newly licensed nurses (Spector & Echternacht, 2010).
The NRP is a partnership between Vizient® and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Using AACN's Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021), the NRP is uniquely informed on the preparation of nurses and the competencies they possess upon graduation. The framework for the curriculum is built on the ten domains found within the Essentials document and developed by subject matter experts across the country. The NRP is an added layer of support, in addition to new nurse orientation and preceptorship experience. Nurse residents meet monthly for 12 months. During this time, they learn from and network with content experts throughout the organization. They also participate in clinical reflection time, allowing them to connect with peers while developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
The NRP curriculum consists of the following critical domains: Development of the professional nurse, foundations of nursing quality and safety, interprofessional practice, knowledge for nursing practice, leadership and systems-based practice, person centered care and scholarship for nursing practice. The curriculum focuses on application of knowledge and work experiences to assist newly licensed nurses as they transition toward competency during their first year of practice.
Program goals
Through the program the nurse residents will:
- Make the transition from advanced beginner nurse toward competent nurse.
- Develop effective decision-making skills related to clinical judgement and safety in the healthcare environment.
- Provide clinical nursing leadership, in conjunction with the interprofessional team, at the point of care.
- Strengthen commitment to the profession of nursing.
- Increase engagement in the healthcare organization and profession.
- Integrate best evidence into nursing practice.
Program retention
Participants by state
Annual Conference
Join us for the 2026 Vizient Nursing Programs Conference
Date:
March 23-26, 2026
Duration:
4 days
Location:
Sheraton Pheonix, Downtown, Phoenix, AZ
The annual Nursing Programs Conference is an opportunity for Nurse Residency Program and Transition to Nurse Leader participants to network, share ideas and learn from one another.
Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program Conference recap
Conference summary: The 2025 Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program (NRP) conference located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, welcomed attendees from healthcare organizations across the United States, focusing on highlighting NRP best practices.
- 500+ nurse resident and nurse residency leader attendees from across the United States
- 280+ sites represented
- 28 podium presentations
- 73 poster presentations
Sponsorship information
As the nation’s leading health care performance improvement company, Vizient® serves more than half of the health care organizations in the United States. We invite you to engage your brand with health care’s leading Vizient Nursing Program Conference encompassing the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program™ and the newly founded Vizient® Transition to Nurse Leaders Program.
This premier event is dedicated to connecting Nurse Residency Program leaders and nurse residents from over 750+ participating organizations from across the United States. New this year, the inaugural Vizient Transition to Nurse Leader Program brings together emerging nurse leaders from health care organizations nationwide, further expanding the conference’s reach and impact. Each year, we welcome approximately 500–600 attendees to a beautiful location for an exciting learning and networking opportunity.
Why should you invest in becoming a sponsor at the Vizient Nursing Programs Conference? Consider these key benefits:
- Capture quality leads and build relationships. Engage in meaningful conversations with potential clients and partners during networking breaks and luncheons.
- Maximize brand exposure. Increase your brand’s visibility by showcasing your products and services to a dedicated audience focused on advancing the nursing workforce and practice.
- Engage with healthcare leaders. Connect directly with nurse leaders, professional development practitioners, and clinical nurses who are influential in the healthcare industry.
- Customize opportunities. Choose from a variety of sponsorship packages designed to meet your marketing and business objectives and goals.
2025 Vizient/AACN NRP Award recipients
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Award winners — four outstanding individuals whose passion, leadership and innovation are shaping the future of nursing:
A compassionate clinician and emerging leader whose dedication to patient care and peer support sets a powerful example for new nurses everywhere – from Cooper University Health Care in New Jersey.
A champion for nurse development, Elizabeth’s visionary leadership and mentorship have created a strong foundation for new nurse success – from Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
Through creativity and commitment to excellence, Robyn has implemented innovative strategies that have made a measurable difference in residency outcomes – retired from The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas.
A true pioneer in nurse residency, Dr. Lynn’s lifelong contributions have shaped programs across the nation and inspired generations of nursing professionals – from the University of North Carolina in North Carolina.
We are proud to celebrate these incredible leaders and the lasting impact they have made on nurse residency programs and the nursing profession.