Bridging the gap: Why variability in RN experience strengthens the case for nurse practitioner residencies

As demand for health care providers continues to rise across diverse clinical settings, newly minted nurse practitioners (NPs) are entering the workforce in record numbers—yet many do so without the clinical confidence or structured support needed to succeed. This article offers a timely, real-world account of how one large health care system bridged that gap by launching a 12-month, system-wide NP residency program backed by Health Resources and Services Administration funding. More than just a policy response, this program became a lifeline for novice NPs navigating a high-stakes transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 200 applicants in 4 years, the program attracted early career NPs willing to delay full salary in exchange for mentorship, tailored learning, and hands-on clinical experience. Grounded in the Barnes Novice NP Role Transition Scale and shaped by interdisciplinary leaders, the curriculum emphasized building confidence, equity-focused care, and policy engagement. Resident reflections bring the data to life—sharing how structured support transformed fear into fluency, and uncertainty into purpose. Unlike theoretical models or small pilot efforts, this program's scale, adaptability, and strong applicant interest make it a blueprint for institutions nationwide. Readers seeking practical insight into workforce development, graduate readiness, or the future of NP training will find this article both informative and inspiring.