A high standard of care to Veterans

This residency program is designed to support the transition of newly graduated nurse practitioners into clinical practice, enhance primary care experience and knowledge, and provide expertise in veteran-centric care. The program is structured to provide a robust learning experience, combining didactic education with hands-on clinical practice supported by clinical faculty and the program director.

“The Primary Care NP residency at the Minneapolis VA has provided me support, training, and exposure to specialty care that I couldn't find anywhere else. I am immensely grateful to the many veterans who have shared their health and life stories with me and entrusted me with their care, “said Dr. Sam Delander, who is a current resident.

The residency spans one year and includes a paid stipend and optional health and dental insurance. Residents spend 3 days per week in primary care clinical practice seeing their own panel of patients with faculty support. Two days per week are spent in didactic lectures, experiential rotations including neurology, endocrinology, renal, the emergency room and more. The program provides extensive exposure to the treatment and management of complex conditions often faced by our nation’s Veterans.

Each resident will complete a quality improvement project with extensive training and support. Residents have the opportunity to present their work at Nurse Research Day, hosted by the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, which is an academic partner who provides didactic courses and advisory oversight.

The program addresses the unique needs of Veterans, including understanding military culture and the specific health challenges faced by this population. It is critically important that primary care providers within and outside have expertise in managing Veteran care. Residents receive training in areas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Trauma informed care, military toxic exposures, and other service-related conditions, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide comprehensive care to Veterans.

Dr. Allison Slipka is a graduate resident who works at the Minneapolis VA Northwest Metro Community Based Outpatients clinic, “Learning shoulder to shoulder from a wide variety of disciplines inn a setting with complex patients has been invaluable.”

Overall, the Minneapolis VA Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency program offers a well-rounded and supportive environment for newly graduated FNP or AGNPs to develop their skills and transition smoothly into their roles as primary care providers. This program not only enhances the residents' clinical capabilities but also contributes to the high standard of care provided to Veterans.

We are currently recruiting for 3 residents to begin in September of 2025. The deadline for application is April 11th, 2025. More information can be found here: Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency | VA Minneapolis Health Care | Veterans Affairs or by emailing the Program Director at Kimberly.heckmann@va.gov