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Nurse practitioner residency programs

VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) nurse practitioner residency programs provide a comprehensive educational experience using didactic, clinical and scholarly components to enhance the training of the newly-licensed nurse practitioner in the care of the American Veteran.

Residency mission statement

The mission of VA Boston Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Residency program is to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity through didactic and clinical components to enhance the training of new nurse practitioners in the care of Veterans for a successful transition from advanced beginner to competent, confident nurse practitioners. 

Philosophy

This program adopts and builds on the philosophy statements of academic partners and the beliefs and values of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Embracing diversity, equity, inclusivity and belongingness allows us to create and build relationships that will enhance Veteran-centric care. The overall mission of this program is to enhance the clinical readiness of nurse practitioners, providing a well-qualified workforce to increase access to excellent geriatric, primary care and mental health services for the Veterans throughout our country. Increasing the availability of these providers will expand the Department of Veteran Affairs and community’s ability to provide comprehensive care services, and to improve the overall quality of health for our Veterans.   

Goals and objectives

  1. Enhance inter-professional collaborations and educational opportunities. Residents will demonstrate an expanded knowledge base and mastery of graduated level of responsibilities to promote the overall health of Veterans. 
  2. Enhance collaborations between VA Boston HCS and academic partners 
  3. Integrate culturally sensitive, Veteran-centric experiences, and apply the evidence-based knowledge, expertise and judgment required to practice respectfully, safely and equitably. 
  4. Recruit and retain nurse practitioner residents, if positions are available. 

Applicant qualifications

  • U.S. citizens
  • Graduate of Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, gerontological,  psychiatric nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner programs
  • Recent graduate within the past 12 months of start date 
  • Hold a master’s degree or doctorate and be licensed, nationally board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and credential as a nurse practitioner with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology or family nurse practitioner as well as a current, full and unrestricted license as a RN and NP in a state, territory or commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia
  • Proficient in written and spoken English
  • Background and security investigation required
  • Pass a pre-trainee physical examination
  • Random drug testing required

Benefits

  • Competitive stipend set by National VA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA)
  • Comprehensive benefits package inclusive of Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), sick leave and annual leave

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program

The VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program provides a comprehensive educational experience using didactic, clinical, and scholarly components to enhance the training of the newly licensed Nurse Practitioner in the care of the American Veteran. The program assists the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to develop from a novice provider to a competent, confident and independent APRN practitioner in primary care. The program prepares nurse practitioners for professional leadership, education and quality improvement in an inter-professional practice setting. The program is partnered with Northeastern University School of Nursing (NU SON). The VA Boston HCS and Northeastern University SON support evidence-based nursing research and clinical practice education. This academic practice partnership fosters a supportive learning environment for academic, professional and personal success.

Program structure

  • 12-month residency (2,080 hours)
  • Clinical supervision throughout the program
  • 100% dedicated training time
  • Robust curriculum with 80% experiential activities that apply academic concepts to clinical practice in a variety of care settings, and 20% didactics that builds upon academic learning – including Grand Rounds, Journal Club, and other learning experiences
  • Residents are assigned a mentor to act as a resource and provide support as they focus on the advancement of clinical, leadership and scholarship skills, with an emphasis on Veteran-centric care in a primary care environment. Upon successful completion of the residency, a certificate of completion is awarded. At the time of completion of the NPR program, residents will have one year of credible population-specific clinical experience

Application requirements

  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (may be unofficial at time of initial application) sealed envelope or sent directly from the school
  • Personal statement: Maximum 500 words, double spaced. Include in your statement:
    • Describe how your career and/or educational journey has been enhanced by exposure to diverse people, places or experiences. Please provide a specific example  
    • Your aspirations for an APRN Residency program
    • Your short term and long term professional goals
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (one must be from faculty member of graduate program) in sealed envelopes or emailed directly from the individual writing the letter

Application process

  • Deadline: Accepting applications now through April 1, 2024
  • RESIDENCY START DATE: September 9, 2024
  • Submit Applications to:

Email: BostonVANurse@va.gov

Nurse Recruiter 
VA Boston Healthcare System 
940 Belmont Street (118)
Brockton, MA 02301 
FAX:  

Program contacts:

Erin Shea PhD, APRN, FNP-BC

Director VA Boston Primary Care NP Residency Program; Primary Care Provider Plymouth CBOC

VA Boston health care

Phone:

Email: Erin.Shea@va.gov

Abigail Munroe MS, AGNP-C

Coordinator VA Boston Primary Care NP Residency Program; Primary Care Provider Women’s Health

VA Boston health care

Phone:

Email: Abigail.Munroe@va.gov

Geriatrics and Extended Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program

VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS) and Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences School of Nursing have partnered to develop an innovative and immersive experience within the geriatrics and extended care nurse practitioner residency program (GEC-NPR).

The GEC-NPR program is designed to provide a robust training experience for new graduate nurse practitioner residents across multiple practice settings with an exclusive focus on geriatric care. Training is focused on building upon foundational clinical knowledge, while also allowing participants to rotate through various clinical settings to promote critical thinking and versatility. The program will allow residents to gain a wealth of experience in managing the care of veterans with acute and chronic complex health conditions.

Program structure

The federally funded traineeship model offers:

  • 12-month residency (2,080 hours)
  • Clinical supervision throughout the program
  • 100% dedicated training time
  • Robust curriculum with 80% experiential activities that apply academic concepts to clinical practice in a variety of care settings, and 20% didactics that builds upon academic learning – including Grand Rounds, Journal Club, and other learning experiences

Residents are assigned a mentor to act as a resource and provide support as they focus on the advancement of clinical, leadership, and scholarship skills with an emphasis on Veteran-centric, geriatric-focused care. Upon successful completion of the residency, a certificate of completion is awarded. At the time of completion of the NPR program, residents will have one year of credible population-specific clinical experience.

Application requirements

  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (may be unofficial at time of initial application) sealed envelope or sent directly from the school
  • Personal data information form
  • Signed application checklist
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (one academic advisor/mentor, one preceptor, one employer/supervisor) in sealed envelopes or emailed directly from the individual writing the letter

Application process

  • Deadline: Accepting applications now through April 1, 2024
  • RESIDENCY START DATE: September 9, 2024
  • Submit Applications to:

Email: BostonVANurse@va.gov

Nurse Recruiter 
VA Boston Healthcare System 
940 Belmont Street (118)
Brockton, MA 02301 
FAX:  

Program contacts:

The program starts in September of each year. For questions regarding the program or the application process, please contact: 

Alyssa Moore DNP, APRN, NP-C, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner - Geriatrics and Extended Care, Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Director - Geriatrics

VA Boston health care

Phone:

Email: Alyssa.Moore@va.gov

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program (PMH-NPRP) is partnered with Boston College Connell School of Nursing. The VA Boston Healthcare System (BHS) and Connell School of Nursing support evidence-based nursing education, research and practice. Together, we foster a supportive learning environment for academic, professional and personal success.

The PMH-NPRP is a designed to provide clinical and academic experiences for new graduate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) transitioning into the professional role of PMHNP. The program prepares nurse practitioners for professional leadership, education and research in practice.

Program structure

  • This is a 12-month (2080 Hours) residency program
  • Clinical rotations are supplemented with didactic sessions, Grand Rounds, Journal Club and other learning experiences
  • The program includes integrated didactic sessions weekly with the Harvard South Shore Residency Training Program
  • Clinical Rotations: Inpatient Psychiatry, Outpatient Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Psychiatric Emergency, Neurology, and Geropsychiatry
  • Residents are assigned a mentor to act as a resource and provide support as they transition to autonomous and competent mental health nurse practitioners
  • Upon successful completion of the residency, a certificate of completion is awarded
  • Candidates who successfully complete the residency training program will be given the opportunity to apply to available vacancies at the VA BHS

Application requirements

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Official graduate school transcripts in a sealed envelope
  • Personal Statement: What personal, professional, educational and clinical experiences have led you to choose nursing as a profession, and the role of a mental health nurse practitioner as a specialty practice?  What are your aspirations for a Residency program? Please comment upon your vision and planning for your short and long-term career development.  Maximum of two (2) pages
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (one must be from faculty member or graduate program) in sealed envelopes or emailed directly from the individual writing the letter

Application process

  • Deadline, March 01, 2024 (accepting applications now through March 1, 2024)
  • Start date, July 2024
  • Submit completed application requirements to:
    Nurse Recruiter
    VA Boston Healthcare System
    940 Belmont Street (118)
    Brockton, MA 02301
    FAX: 774-826-1115
    BostonVANurse@va.gov
    CC: sherley.belizaire@va.gov

Program contacts:

Sherley Belizaire DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Services & Director, Nurse Practitioner Residency Program -Mental Health

VA Boston health care

Phone:

Email: sherley.belizaire@va.gov