Emory Decatur Hospital announced on May 19 the launch of Emory Healthcare’s Emergency Nurses Association Nurse Residency Program. The initiative is the first of its kind for Emory Healthcare and in the metropolitan Atlanta region, offering a specialized framework for new nurses entering emergency medicine.
The program aims to address the unique challenges faced by emergency department nurses by combining clinical education, hands-on experience, and mentorship. This approach seeks to enhance patient care and support professional growth among nursing staff.
Jen Schuck, CEO of Emory Decatur, Emory Hillandale and Emory Long-Term Acute Care hospitals, said, “Our ENA Nurse Residency Program reflects our commitment to advancing excellence in emergency care and investing in the future of our nursing workforce. This program strengthens the foundation on which our emergency department operates, one built on compassion, expertise and a shared dedication to serving our community. We are proud to lead Emory Healthcare in bringing this level of training and support to emergency nurses.”
The inaugural cohort began in April with eight new graduate nurses who will participate in a year-long residency that includes a rigorous 16-week orientation period. The orientation features didactic learning, skills labs, case studies, bedside training, and ride-along experiences with local EMS collaborators. The curriculum is designed not only for recent graduates but also for experienced nurses transitioning from other specialties into emergency medicine.
Jason Betts, director of patient care emergency and behavioral health services at Emory Decatur Hospital said: “Emergency departments are dynamic, high-intensity environments that require a blend of technical expertise, emotional composure and compassionate care to thrive. By providing structured support, specialized training and mentorship early in a nurse’s career, our residency program can strengthen professional confidence and clinical readiness while reinforcing our commitment to our team, our patients and the future of emergency nursing.”
According to Sharon Pappas, chief nurse executive for Emory Healthcare: “Nurses play a vital role in emergency care, often serving as the first point of contact for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. The ENA Nurse Residency Program at Emory Decatur Hospital brings a nationally recognized model to Emory Healthcare for the first time and reinforces our commitment to preparing nurses for the complexities of modern emergency care. This is a meaningful step forward for our organization and for the patients we serve.”
The hospital plans to accept additional participants later this year with further details about eligibility requirements expected as enrollment opens.
