Expanding a Transition-to-Practice Program Into a Rural Residency

A multisite health system identified a need to improve recruitment and retention of rural nurse practitioners (NPs) through enhanced transitional support. In 2019, the health system collaborated with an accredited Midwestern doctor of nursing practice/family NP program to expand a transition-to-practice program into a 1-year residency program for new NPs. The residency was made possible through a 4-year Health Resources and Services Administration grant specifically for NPs hired in rural communities. This article describes the rural NP residency, including budget and human resource decisions, core curriculum, and program outcomes.