Nursing School Assists Hospital With Residency Program

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Nan Smith-Blair, right, University of Arkansas associate professor of nursing, speaks to nurse residents at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.

The University of Arkansas is assisting Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville with a new program that focuses on the transition of nursing students to professional registered nurses.

The yearlong residency program follows an evidence-based curriculum based on leadership, patient safety outcomes and professional development.

Nan Smith-Blair, associate professor in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, has served as a consultant for the program the hospital began last year. Smith-Blair speaks to the participants at the beginning and end of the program period about evidence-based practice as well as meeting with them twice during the program.

The hospital requires the new nurses to complete an evidence-based study that will improve the delivery and care to patients. Smith-Blair helps the students refine their study questions and methodology.

Three of the nine nurse residents in the first class are alumni of the U of A nursing school.