Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, was recognized recently for excellence in its programming for new registered nurses (RNs).
SVMC is the only hospital in Vermont with a program for new graduate RNs accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP).
SVMC recently received “Accreditation with Distinction” from PTAP, the highest recognition awarded. This is a reaccreditation for SVMC’s Transition to Practice program, which received its first accreditation in 2021.
“The first year of nursing practice is a crucial transition point for new nurses,” said Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, SVMC’s chief nursing officer and vice president of patient and quality services. “Nationally, almost a quarter of new graduate nurses leave their jobs within the first year. SVMC’s Transition to Practice program works to address that statistic, locally, by providing the education, mentorship and support that nurses need to succeed.”
SVMC’s 12-month program serves nurses in medical-surgical, emergency, intensive care, women’s and children’s services, renal dialysis, and operating room settings. It incorporates clinical skills training, professional development, and peer support to help new nurses navigate their transition into practice. The SVMC nurse education team—led by Alison Camarda, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, director of Organizational Development and the Magnet Program—spearheaded the successful PTAP accreditation process.
“The effectiveness of this program speaks for itself,” Camarda said. “Since 2023, over 90% of our new graduate nurses have remained at SVMC for 12 or more months. SVMC’s specially-designed program is a crucial way we support our nurses.”
Learn more about SVMC’s programs for nurses at svmc.org/Nursing.