CNO Roundtable 2025
Q4: New Grads
How has your approach to new graduate RN preparation evolved?
Sharon Brown, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
We have a robust new graduate RN program. Our nurse educators have ensured that the delivery of information is relevant, evidence-based, and fun.
Brandi Cassingham, Saddleback Medical Center
We’ve found a lot of success by marrying simulation with other didactic pieces. We’ve also spent a lot of time helping new grads adapt to their roles psychologically, socially, and emotionally.
Derrek Hidalgo, California Rehabilitation Institute
New grads are now expected to be up and running very quickly. I’ve seen some schools partnering with hospitals to teach the needs of the organization, which allows for a more seamless transition and a shorter orientation time.
Katie Hughes, Casa Colina Hospital (above)
We noticed that our new grads tended to rely on preceptors the way they would a teacher. We adjusted our training to encourage nurses to independently analyze the situation and problem-solve, looking to the preceptor for clarification and confirmation.
Valerie Kaura, Redlands Community Hospital
We’ve been collaborating with local schools to better prepare nursing students to enter the workforce. Our new nurse extern program offers final-year nursing students the opportunity to join our team early, which has improved retention and reduced training time.
Grace Kwasman, Adventist Health Glendale
A new grad RN residency program is essential. Our 12-month program combines classroom learning, workshops, simulation, and hands-on care. This has been vital in recruiting new graduates, but the retention rate is still about 50 percent after one to two years.
David Marshall, Cedars-Sinai
We’ve strengthened our already-robust RN residency program, but we’re exploring additional support mechanisms, such as resiliency training and mental health resources, to equip new nurses with the tools they need to thrive.
Roz Nolan, Dignity Health Community Hospital of San Bernardino
We’ve implemented a robust residency program providing structured education, hands-on clinical training, and mentorship. This has been highly successful, with a 100 percent retention rate, so we’ve now launched specialized programs in areas such as intensive care.
Greg Rogers, Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills/West Ventura County
Thanks to virtual training programs, extended mentorship opportunities, and enhanced hands-on experiences, we have been largely successful in equipping our new nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge. However, the partnership between academia and healthcare facilities must continue to be nurtured to ensure that new grad RNs are adequately prepared.
Dinarte Viveiros, MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital
We partner with schools to provide opportunities during students’ education so they’re better prepared for our new grad program. For instance, we’ve included our leaders in the schools’ preceptor interview process to identify nurses interested in pediatrics or the birth care center.
Vicki White, Henry Mayo
Our approach is structured around the evidence-based Transition to Practice model. However, selection is critical. Our peer-based selection process focuses on attitude and commitment to our Santa Clarita Valley community, which has significantly reduced first-year turnover.
Kimmalo Wright, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
We’ve seen the ramifications of online learning taking the place of hands-on practice. Our nurse residency program provides extensive orientation, support, and mentorship, which has been successful, but we’re still challenged with meeting new grads where they are.
Alexis Zamarripa, PIH Health Downey Hospital (photo, top)
We’re focusing on increasing our impact on nursing education while students are still in school. For example, we’ve recently partnered with a local college to create a “work-embedded program” for qualified PIH Health employees entering nursing school. We also participate in a transition-to-practice program with senior nursing students to better prepare them for the clinical environment. ■
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