RN Transition-to-Practice (RNTTP)
Since 2011, the VHA has required that each VA Medical Center establish and maintain RN Transition-to-Practice (RNTTP) Residency Programs if they hire post-graduate RN's with less than one year of professional nursing experience.
The RNTTP Residency program assists the post-graduate RN in the transition from academia to a complex practice environment. The RNTTP Program consists of a comprehensive 12-month curriculum built upon standards that are in alignment with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Standards for Entry to Practice Residency Programs. The RNTTP Program emphasizes Veteran-centric content. Our nurse preceptors are ready to guide and support you through the transition from student to practicing RN each step of the way.
The residency program contains both didactic and experiential learning components including over two hundred didactic hours over the course of the year. Each post-graduate RN is assigned to a primary nursing preceptor who is an experienced RN who has completed preceptor training. Research shows that RNTTP residency programs positively impact nurses, patients, and health systems alike.
RNTTP Resident Testimonials
"I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the RNTTP Residency Program. The program provided meaningful education as well as a safe forum with other new nurses to express "new nurse worries", ask questions, and develop camaraderie and friendships. The program director and guest speakers provided a wealth of information and real-life tips, and acted as an extra source of support that bolstered my confidence and started a personal network of experienced professionals within the VA that I know I can approach any time. RNTTP was critical to my transition from nursing school expectations to real-life nursing with the complexities and challenges inherent to the profession."
Anitra Engebretson, Graduate RNTTP Minneapolis, MN
"It was a privilege for me to be part of the RN transition to practice program. This program is like school with more time to do safe hands-on practice. It allowed me to get confidence in the hands-on part of nursing while I transition on my own. This will test your organization and time management, which is on my list of improvement opportunities. This program made me who I am today and will be in the future."
John Briones, RNTTP Graduate VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Benefits of the program
- Structured mentoring and precepting experiences
- Networking with your colleagues
- Scheduled didactic days
- Clinical debriefing with a residency coordinator
- Extended nursing orientation to ease the transition into clinical practice
- Evidence based practice curriculum, and more!
Applicant Requirements
- Meet all required qualifications as per job posting (open positions found on USA Jobs)
- Open to BSN or ADN nurses, graduates of a program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN
- Less than 1-year of RN experience
If you are a new graduate RN in your first licensed RN role, or you're an RN with less than one year of professional RN experience, you qualify for the program. Availability of the RN Transition to Practice program varies by VA facility, so please contact the Nurse Educator/Instructor or Nurse Recruiter at the facility near you for more information
