Prior to implementation of the program in the Spring of 2006, a two-year joint planning process by service and academia focused on budgetary considerations, compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements, selection of clinical preceptors, matching students with preceptors, student orientation requirements, length of shift, student patient load, and documentation of student progress. The students were assigned to a clinical specialty area of their choice and were paired with a preceptor for the 15 week intensive clinical practicum. Faculty from Felician College and clinical nurse educators from Saint Barnabas Health Care System were available to supervise and support students and preceptors during their 13 hour shift each week.

Outcomes for students from the Spring 2006 semester included an increase in independence, competence, and confidence as they increased their nursing care responsibilities from one patient to four. They experienced the realities of working a 13 hour shift and developed a sense of belonging on their assigned units. Outcomes for the health care system included recruitment of several students from the residency program and an expedited orientation of those new graduates. During this presentation new data from the Spring 2007 semester will be presented and compared with previous data. In addition, outcomes relevant to retention from the initial group of clinical residents will be examined.