PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Nurse Residency Program earns accreditation with distinction from American Nurses Credentialing Center

Bellingham, WASH. — PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is pleased to announce that its Nurse Residency Program achieved accreditation with distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).*

ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation validates hospital residency or fellowship programs that transition newly licensed registered nurses (RNs) into new practice settings that meet rigorous, evidence-based standards for quality and excellence.

“We are proud that our Nurse Residency Program is recognized by ANCC as one of the highest-quality transition programs for new nurses. This achievement affirms our commitment to promoting the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors necessary for new nurses to deliver safe, high-quality care,” said Roseanna Bell, chief nursing officer at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. “It also recognizes our continual investment in cultivating a new generation of nurse leaders.”

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center initiated its Nurse Residency Program in January 2015. The 12-month program includes clinical orientation with a trained preceptor, monthly seminars and an evidence-based practice project. Program objectives include developing effective clinical judgment, providing clinical leadership, formulating an individual career development plan, incorporating research and evidence into practice, and successfully integrating into the health care team as a competent and confident nurse.

*PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Nurse Residency Program is accredited with distinction as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs.

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About PeaceHealth: Based in Vancouver, Wash., PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center provides quality care for northwest Washington with its full-service 253-bed hospital and PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics. Key services in Bellingham include comprehensive cardiology, oncology, orthopedic and rehabilitation services and a joint venture outpatient imaging service.

About ANCC: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments; and accredit providers and approvers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. www.nursecredentialing.org