Hardeeville, S.C. – September 16, 2019 – Coastal Carolina Hospital celebrates eight students who have completed its 12-week nurse residency program!

From left to right: Matt Schott, Dasha Weeks, Erin Moler, Valerie Capanna, Nancy Harrison, Jessica Jarvis, Mike Still (not pictured: Danielle Kessler)

The program is specifically designed for new-grad registered nurses. Participants are paired with an experienced clinician to better understand the ins and outs of working in a hospital. They rotate through the various departments, including the emergency department, medical-surgical, radiology, laboratory services, same day surgery, and more.

“We talk at length not only about quality and patient experience, but also the softer skills of nursing that are not always taught in school and can often be intimidating to a new grad nurse,” said Christina Brzezinski, chief nursing officer of Coastal Carolina Hospital. “This program gives them the opportunity to have a true peer group as they transition into becoming registered nurses. We have found that this program improves retention and employee engagement.”

“I heard about the program from a friend of mine and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to become family with all the disciplines in the hospital,” said Nancy Harrison, residency program participant. “I enjoyed being in the residency program and recommend all new nurses to get involved in a program like this.”