Local nursing residency program earns national accreditation

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital’s nursing residency program has earned accreditation from the American Nurses Association’s Credential Center.

The American Nurses Association’s Credential Center reviewed the program and announced that it met national standards.

About the program

The one-year program helps newly graduated nursing students transition from the classroom to working hands-on with patients under professional guidance.

Laura Friday, a clinical education specialist at St. Joseph’s Candler, said the program is designed to help graduates make that professional leap.

“It’s a lot more difficult to become a professional nurse and so that’s what this program and our organization strive to do,” Friday said.

A nurse’s perspective

Kianni Hughes, a Savannah native and registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Candler, said her time in nursing school left her wanting more hands-on experience.

“Throughout nursing school it was just not really hands-on and I felt like I learned the clinical, more clinical side as I worked shifts here as a nursing student and as a tech,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the program also creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds to pursue careers in the medical field.

“It really wasn’t that many nursing programs like and different opportunities for different walks of life to have that opportunity to pursue in the medical field,” Hughes said. “So with St. Joseph’s Candler having that program it gives everyone an equal chance to further their career.”

Click here to learn more about St. Joseph’s Candler’s nursing residency program.