Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program

The mission of The Tucson VA Primary Care Nurse Residency Program is to develop competent, confident, practice-ready Nurse Practitioners equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the specific needs of our nation's Veterans in the Veterans Health Care Administration and community. The program seeks to enhance recruitment and retention of VA Nurse Practitioners by providing a constant supply of highly qualified APRN’s into the workforce.

Residents will master Primary Clinical Care under the mentorship of master clinicians. They will have the opportunity to participate in didactic learning in Primary and Specialty Care, including observations, hands-on specialty care, teaching, service learning, and Evidence Based Practice. The PC-NP Residency Program seeks to create exceptional PC-Nurse Practitioners who will be able to care for the complex Veteran patient.

1. Prepare Nurse Practitioner’s to become competent, confident providers in Primary Care.
2. Enhance NP residents’ utilization of scientific knowledge to support Advance Practice Nursing in the provider role.
3. Increase retention and recruitment rates of qualified and competent NPs.

Our core curriculum is composed of clinical competencies, which are instrumental in the development of the competent PC-Nurse Practitioner practicing in the Primary Care setting.  The competencies are comprised of weekly independent readings, 1:1 clinical instruction, didactic sessions, and integrated learning projects with opportunities for teaching, research, and community service, along with supplemental online materials.  These competencies and online training compliment weekly mentored advanced clinical practice in Primary Care across clinical settings.

Curriculum is based on the CCNE 2021 Standards and OAA Competencies below:

• CCNE Standards.
• Person-Centered Care, Knowledge for Advanced Nursing Practice, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, System-Based Practice, Inter-professional Partnerships, and Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development.

• Primary Care
• Specialty Care (Podiatry, Pulmonology, PC Mental Health, Gastrointestinal and Dermatology)
• Women’s Health
• Wellness Programs (Whole Health)
• Engagement Programs (Crucial Conversations)
• Policy and practice issues (State APRN Conference)

Practice-Based Learning, Quality Improvement & Evidence-Based Practice, Communication, Conflict Management, Professional Roles & Responsibilities, Ethical Decision Making, Health Delivery System, Resource Utilization, Informatics & Technology, Inter-professional Collaboration, Stress Management, Clinical Leadership, Professional Development, Knowledge of Basic Science, Theories & Models of Care, Knowledge of Adult-Gerontological Disorders and Conditions, Knowledge of Diagnostic Assessments, Knowledge of Pharmacotherapy, Military/Veteran-Centric Care & Cultural Knowledge, Assessment of Health, Diagnosis, Treatment, Follow-Up & Evaluation of the Patient Status, Promotion of Optimal Health, and Patient & Family Education.

1. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in achievement of essential advanced nursing practice competencies.
2. Graduates will demonstrate improved competence and confidence in role transition into professional practice.
3. NP residents/Faculty will engage in research and scholarly activities which contribute to the scientific body of knowledge in advance practice nursing through evidence-based practice presentations, initiatives, and/or publications.
4. The program will enhance retention rates and recruiting by providing a supporting and robust residency experience, resulting in a constant supply of highly qualified APRNs within SAVAHCS, VHA, and the community.

• US Citizenship.
• Graduation recent (within 12 months) of a master’s or doctoral level Nurse Practitioner Program accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be serving in his/her first Nurse Practitioner role in Primary Care specialty practice area.
• Possess a current board certification in either Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner board certification.
• Current active and unrestricted license as an RN and APRN in a state, commonwealth or territory of the US or DC.
• Be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Must be able to complete 365 days of training starting March 2025.

• Work stipend.
• Health insurance.
• Paid leave days: 4 hours vacation/pay period; 4 hours of sick time/pay period; 11 Federal holidays.
• Personal workstation laptop.
• Office supplies.
• Medical Library access.

• Three letters of reference, including one reference from a graduate nursing faculty member.
• Health Care Professional Trainee Drug Testing Memo.
• Application for Health Professions Trainees.
• Form DD-214 (if you are a Veteran).
• Checklist for Health Professional Trainees.
• https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/2021HPTInstructionsv4.pdf 
• https://www.va.gov/oaa/app-forms.asp 
• VA Form OF-306 Optional Form 306 (Rev. October 2011) (opm.gov).
• VA Form 10-2850D; https://www.va.gov/oaa/app-forms.asp 
• Detailed resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• If you meet the above requirements, please submit the application including an essay detailing why you are interested in the program.