Bridging the gap: Why variability in RN experience strengthens the case for nurse practitioner residencies

ABSTRACT: As demand for health care providers continues to rise across diverse clinical settings, newly minted nurse practitioners (NPs) are entering the workforce in record numbers-yet many do so without the clinical confidence or structured support needed to succeed. This article offers a timely, real-world account of how one large health care system bridged that gap by launching a 12-month, system-wide NP residency program backed by Health Resources and Services Administration funding. More than just a policy response, this program became a lifeline for novice NPs navigating a high-stakes transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 200 applicants in 4 years, the program attracted early career NPs willing to delay full salary in exchange for mentorship, tailored learning, and hands-on clinical experience. Grounded in the Barnes Novice NP Role Transition Scale and shaped by interdisciplinary leaders, the curriculum emphasized building confidence, equity-focused care, and policy engagement. Resident reflections bring the data to life-sharing how structured support transformed fear into fluency, and uncertainty into purpose. Unlike theoretical models or small pilot efforts, this program's scale, adaptability, and strong applicant interest make it a blueprint for institutions nationwide. Readers seeking practical insight into workforce development, graduate readiness, or the future of NP training will find this article both informative and inspiring.