Nurse Residency Program

OSF Saint Francis Philosophy:

The staff at OSF Saint Francis realizes the transition from nursing student to professional nurse is challenging. It is our philosophy that no Graduate Nurse should start their professional journey alone. Our Nurse Resident Program (NRP) is structured to support and mentor the new graduate nurse throughout the first year of clinical practice and beyond.

Goal of the Program:

The UHC/AACN NRP will guide you through your first year of practice at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.  You will be provided with the skills and experiences necessary to become a full-fledged member of our health care team.  This innovative program will enhance your clinical expertise, assist you in mastering complex concepts, improve your critical thinking ability and develop your leadership potential.  Further, it will foster professional growth through the development of nurse to nurse relationships, evidence based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Program Structure:

The NRP is structured to provide a variety of learning experiences, hands-on/simulation, group activities and clinical scenarios.  Classes are taught by nurse scholars, educators, experienced clinicians, APN's, and resource experts.  In addition, monthly facilitated discussions with a group of your peers provides the opportunity to learn from others' experiences, give and provide feedback, share concerns, fears and frustrations, and ask questions.  You will also have the opportunity to develop an evidence-based project to change or validate clinical practice and receive ACLS or PALS certification (dependent upon area of practice).

The NRP is for all new graduate nurses from an accredited BSN or ADN program that are hired for employment as a RN at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.  Once hired you will automatically be enrolled into the NRP.  (There is no separate NRP application to complete).

We begin a new group twice a year, April and October.  One group supports winter graduates and the second group serves the spring/summer graduates.

Employment Application Process:

Apply online at www.osfsaintfrancis.org.  Click on the "employment" link.  Then click on "application process".

Contacts:

Christine Karpowicz, RN, BSN
Nurse Residency Coordinator
Email: christine.a.karpowicz@osfhealthcare.org
Phone: 309.624.3045

Don Schultz RN, BSN
Professional Recruiter
Email: donald.g.schultz@osfhealthcare.org
Phone: 309.655.2036

Kay Shank RN, MSN, PHR
Professional Recruiter
Email: kathryn.a.shank@osfhealthcare.org
Phone: 309.655.4008