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Growing Our Own
New Graduate Nurse Residency Program Nurtures Tomorrow’s Healthcare Heroes
Nurses keep hospitals running smoothly, doing everything from providing compassionate care to advocating for patient safety by assessing changing situations, identifying problems and working to optimize patient outcomes. In the face of healthcare workforce shortages across the country, housing challenges on a local level and the realities of an aging population, there are increasing demands on Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) to recruit and retain dedicated and highly trained nurses. To answer this need and invest in our local community, AVH is “growing our own” next generation of healthcare professionals.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved to support the nurse residents as they learn and grow.”
STACY VIDAMOUR, RN, PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Joining the Journey
“Our New Graduate Nurse Residency Program is a direct response to a pressing challenge—retaining valuable staff members,” said Stacy Vidamour, RN, Program Coordinator. “Previously, many aspiring nurses had to leave Aspen to pursue residency programs elsewhere after completing nursing school.” This resulted in the loss of familiar faces and experienced hands from our hospital community. But the new program allows students from nearby colleges to forge rewarding nursing careers at AVH.
“Upon graduation from nursing school, participants can join our year-long nurse residency program,” Vidamour said. “This
first year, we have four nurse residents. Two were current staff members in the emergency department who went to nursing school at Colorado Mountain College, and two are from the front range.”
These new nurses work alongside experienced professionals in their assigned units, gaining practical experience and further developing their skills in a supportive environment. Additionally, the program includes classroom seminars, skills labs and realistic simulation activities. These are taught by AVH experts in a variety of fields with the goal of giving program participants a comprehensive, yet diverse, training regimen.
“The Hospital has offered us so many resources and learning opportunities as we transition from school to clinical care,” said Cody Howling, Nurse Resident. “Being able to focus on patient-centered care and impact the lives of people in the Valley keeps me motivated. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow as a nurse in such a positive environment.”
Real Experience, Real Impact
Here’s what the nurse residents have to say about their time in AVH’s New Graduate Nurse Residency Program:
“Being a nurse at AVH is
like joining a family. After my residency, I’m eager to join this amazing team of healthcare workers and supporting staff while we care for the people in our community. I look forward to putting my education and critical thinking skills to use while continuing to grow.”
LACEY BRUBAKER
“Being part of AVH’s residency program has provided me not only the skills to be a successful nurse but has also given me the confidence to provide the best possible care to my patients. I feel extremely lucky to be afforded the opportunity to participate in this program.”
REILLY BRICKELL
“This program allowed me to stay in my community and grow right here. I’m able to learn from friends and shape myself into the nurse I want to become. I’m now an important member of the Roaring Fork Valley community, helping the people who live here and travel here. And that is very rewarding for me.”
VICKY HUERGO
“The teamwork in the hospital, and the respect each person shares for each other, makes me excited to come in for every shift. It’s evident the Hospital wants us to succeed and that has helped me grow in my position at AVH.”
CODY HOWLING
Collaborating for Quality Care
The first cycle of the program has been a huge success, earning praise from staff and patients alike. And the program has also helped different departments—that don’t always get to work closely with one another—come together in a new, rewarding way.
“It has fostered positive relationships and collaboration throughout the hospital,” Vidamour said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved to support the nurse residents as they learn and grow.”
The new nurses have also benefited greatly from the program. The hands-on training exposes them to many different medical specialties and situations, helping prepare them for their careers ahead.
“Every day I learn something new, and I think that is probably the thing I love the most about my job,” said Reilly Brickell, Nurse Resident. “Working as an ER nurse resident in a resort town, I am afforded the unique opportunity to meet and care for patients from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. This exposes me to myriad medical conditions and presentations, many of which I am unfamiliar with or know little about.”
A Healthy Investment
This groundbreaking program would not have been possible without the support of generous donors. These benefactors recognized the need for quality nursing care in the community and wanted to contribute to the future health of the community.
“We were delighted to make an investment in the nursing program,” donors Karen and Jim Frank expressed. “Aspen Valley Hospital is an anchor for the local community. As long-time visitors to the Aspen area—a place we cherish—we believe it is most important to support the local institutions that make this such a remarkable place to live and rejuvenate.”
