Chicago-based healthcare system CommonSpirit Health has taken a major step toward strengthening the nursing workforce with the launch of its nationwide nurse residency program, a yearlong initiative designed to support new graduate nurses as they transition into clinical practice.
Launched in 2023, the program has rapidly grown to span 84 healthcare facilities across multiple states, with plans to expand to 130 locations by the end of 2026. Its goal is to provide consistent, high-quality training and professional support for new nurses, while addressing nurse shortages and retention challenges* in today’s demanding healthcare environment.
Comprehensive Support for New Graduate Nurses
The CommonSpirit Nurse Residency Program combines mentorship, career coaching, and hands-on clinical training with a standardized curriculum that prepares nurses for real-world healthcare settings. The program offers 10 specialized clinical tracks, including:
1. Medical-Surgical-Telemetry
2. Critical Care
3. Progressive Care
4. Emergency Department
5. Perioperative Nursing
6. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
7. Labor and Delivery
8. Mother and Baby
9. Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU)
10. Behavioral Health
So far, more than 3,500 nurse residents have enrolled in the program, with 1,200 graduates already completing the yearlong training. This success is supported by over 4,000 preceptors and 700 trained nurse mentors, who work one-on-one with participants to build clinical confidence and professional resilience.
Impressive Results in Retention and Job Readiness
According to Jennifer Hubek, DNP, RN, System Director of the National Nurse Residency Program, the residency has already proven its value for nurse retention, patient care, and workforce development.
- 91% retention rate for new nurses far above the national average.
- 86% program completion rate, demonstrating strong engagement.
- Every clinical service line now has a staffing pathway for new graduates, improving patient throughput and bedside care capacity.
"The nurse residency program not only improves staffing but also ensures we have the right talent to provide high-quality care," Dr. Hubek shared. "Retention directly impacts patient outcomes because well-trained, confident nurses make a difference from day one."
Benefits for Both New and Experienced Nurses
While the program is designed for recently graduated nurses, experienced registered nurses are also benefiting. Many are stepping into roles as preceptors and nurse mentors, helping guide the next generation while advancing their own leadership skills.
Additionally, CommonSpirit has adapted portions of the residency curriculum for seasoned nurses transitioning to new specialties. Whether a nurse is moving from Med-Surg to Critical Care or entering Labor and Delivery, the foundation of clinical training remains consistent, with additional focus for new graduates on time management and prioritization.
Dr. Hubek’s team is now working to create a standardized nurse fellowship program for experienced nurses transferring between units ensuring every career stage has a clear growth pathway.
Overcoming Challenges of Multi-State Standardization
Building a standardized clinical training program across multiple states isn’t without challenges. Each state has its own regulations, equipment variations, and workflows. CommonSpirit addresses this by using a shared responsibility model, combining national leadership vision with local flexibility.
The centralized program design comes from Dr. Hubek and her market directors, developed in collaboration with subject matter experts. Each facility adapts the curriculum to meet state-specific requirements while keeping core training components consistent.
Implementation happens at the local level through committees made up of nurse leaders, human resources, talent acquisition teams, and site program coordinators. These groups ensure the residency runs smoothly on the ground while meeting systemwide standards.
Setting the Standard for Nurse Career Development
CommonSpirit’s nurse residency program has become a model for nursing workforce development, driving higher retention rates, stronger clinical skills, and improved patient care outcomes. With continued expansion planned, thousands more nurses will benefit from a structured, supportive entry into the profession.
"If your organization has a big-picture strategy and truly sees the value in standardization, you’ll be in a much better position to succeed," Dr. Hubek emphasizes.
As healthcare systems nationwide face ongoing nurse shortages, programs like this offer a blueprint for nurturing talent, increasing nurse retention, and building healthier communities.
