New Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Start Your Nursing Career Strong in Southwest Colorado

Animas Surgical Hospital’s New Graduate Nurse Residency Program is a one-year transition-to-practice program designed to support newly licensed registered nurses as they begin their careers. This program provides structured education, hands-on experience, and dedicated mentorship to help new nurses build confidence, competence, and professional skills.

If you are seeking a new grad nurse residency in Durango or a supportive entry into nursing in Southwest Colorado, our program offers the guidance and real-world experience you need to succeed.

About the Nurse Residency Program

Animas Surgical Hospital welcomes new graduate nurses who are eager to learn, grow, and deliver high-quality patient care. As a resident, you will strengthen core nursing skills including patient safety, clinical judgment, time management, and effective communication with patients and care teams.

New nurses receive additional support through mentoring and preceptorship to ensure a smooth transition from nursing school to professional practice.

Our hospital offers a fast-paced, collaborative learning environment with opportunities in:

• Perioperative Department
• Patient Care Unit
• Operating Room
• Emergency Department

We partner with each new graduate nurse to identify the department that best aligns with individual interests and long-term career goals.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Newly graduated RNs with less than one year of clinical experience.
• Current state license as a registered nurse; current CPR certification
• Participate in all residency program components, learning experiences, and required documentation.
• Attend scheduled mentor and preceptor calls.
• Fulfill requirements of group or individual evidence-based practice (EBP) project by the end of residency year.

Program Benefits

• A blended curriculum providing evidence-based continuing education.
• In-person skills training and disease process review tailored to Animas Surgical Hospital.
• Leadership development and critical thinking support.
• Ongoing education and mentorship throughout the transition-to-practice year.

Curriculum

Residents earn 9.6 contact hours by completing online coursework covering key nursing competencies, including:

• Professional communication
• Interdisciplinary teamwork
• Conflict management
• Patient and family education
• Roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse
• Quality and patient safety
• Evidence-based practice
• Clinical decision-making at the point of care
• Prioritization and delegation
• Critical thinking and time management
• Culturally responsive care

To Learn More

We’re excited to welcome you, the next generation of caregivers, into our profession! If you would like more information about the nurse residency program, contact:

Kelsey Stepan, RN, BSN
Clinical Nurse Educator
Phone: 970-385-2367
Email: kstepan@animassurgical.com

You can also apply directly online here to begin your nursing career in Durango and Southwest Colorado.