The University of Arkansas is assisting Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville with a new program that focuses on the transition of nursing students to professional registered nurses.

The yearlong residency program follows an evidence-based curriculum based on leadership, patient safety outcomes and professional development.

Nan Smith-Blair, associate professor in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, has served as a consultant for the program the hospital began last year. Smith-Blair speaks to the participants at the beginning and end of the program period about evidence-based practice as well as meeting with them twice during the program.

The hospital requires the new nurses to complete an evidence-based study that will improve the delivery and care to patients. Smith-Blair helps the students refine their study questions and methodology.

Three of the nine nurse residents in the first class are alumni of the U of A nursing school.