In the bustling heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center stands as a beacon of hope and healing for its diverse community. Beyond its commitment to providing comprehensive health care services, SURHC has pioneered a groundbreaking initiative aimed at shaping the future of health care delivery: the Nurse Practitioner Residency Program.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a pivotal role in modern health care systems, bridging the gap between traditional nursing care and specialized medical expertise. However, the journey from nursing school to competent NP practice can be arduous and challenging, often leaving new graduates feeling underprepared for the complex demands of patient care.
Recognizing this gap, Sam Rodgers launched its Nurse Practitioner Residency Program with a mission to empower newly graduated NPs through structured clinical training and mentorship. This innovative program, the first of its kind of any Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Missouri, aims to enhance clinical skills, cultivate leadership abilities, and instill a deep commitment to community health.
The program’s origins trace back to Dr. Ginger Vaughn-Pullin, DNP, FNP-BC, Director of Quality, Director of Clinical Programs, who first encountered the residency model at a conference. Inspired by the opportunity to create a collaborative learning environment, Dr. Vaugh-Pullin spearheaded efforts to establish the program, navigating the complexities of accreditation and securing crucial funding through a Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) grant. Originally planned for two residents, the grant allowed for an expansion to four residents and additional faculty, marking a pivotal moment in Sam Rodgers’ commitment to health care education.
At its core, the program strives to cultivate primary care providers who are not only clinically competent but also deeply attuned to the social drivers of health (SDOH) that affect the local population. These SDOHs , such as socioeconomic status, access to health care, education, and neighborhood conditions, play a critical role in shaping health outcomes. The program’s curriculum is meticulously crafted to empower NPs with the skills and insights needed to navigate these complexities effectively. By understanding and addressing SDOH, graduates will be equipped to deliver culturally competent care that addresses the root causes of health disparities, thereby promoting lasting improvements in community health and well-being.
Application and Selection
The selection process prioritizes diversity and a passion for serving low-resourced communities. Candidates undergo rigorous evaluation, considering factors such as previous health care experience, multilingual proficiency, and commitment to community health. The program’s competitive nature underscores its appeal among aspiring NPs eager to make a tangible difference in health care delivery.
Curriculum and Training: The Journey of a Resident
For many NPs, joining the residency program at Sam Rodgers is a transformative experience. Residents embark on a rigorous 12-month curriculum that combines hands-on clinical rotations with didactic learning sessions. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, they gain invaluable experience across various specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, and mental health services.
Avonne Rosario, Sam Rodgers Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Coordinator, emphasizes the program’s approach to professional development: “Our residents not only receive clinical training but also learn to navigate the SDOHs that impact our patients. This comprehensive approach ensures they are well-equipped to deliver culturally congruent, patient-centered care.”
The residency program also places a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration. Residents work alongside physicians, social workers, pharmacists, and other health care professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of patient care. This collaborative environment fosters a spirit of teamwork and mutual respect that is vital in delivering high-quality, integrated care.
It distinguishes itself with a dynamic curriculum designed to immerse residents in a rich tapestry of clinical experiences and educational opportunities. The program’s schedule is structured to optimize learning across various domains, with a keen focus on understanding and addressing the SDOHs that impact patient outcomes.
“Our Nurse Practitioner residency program smooths the transition from student to practicing clinician through specialized training, mentorship, and hands-on clinical experience,” said Sam Rodgers CEO Bob Theis. “This program is a vital investment in the professional growth of new NPs, enhancing their skills and ultimately benefiting the patients they serve. At Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, the NP residency program has highlighted the importance of personal connections and collaborative learning. We’ve learned that working together amplifies our knowledge and effectiveness. As the saying goes, none of us is as smart as all of us.”
Residents begin their week with a mentor clinic on Mondays, a cornerstone of their clinical development. There, they are paired with seasoned NPs or physicians, selecting mentors based on their individual learning needs. Following patient consultations, residents return to discuss their observations and collaborate on comprehensive care plans.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to a preceptor clinic, offering residents the autonomy to see patients under the guidance of a preceptor, who is dedicated to their support throughout the day. This hands-on experience allows residents to apply their clinical skills in a supportive environment, refining their diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Wednesdays serve as didactic days, providing a structured opportunity for deep dives into clinical guidelines and specialty topics essential for comprehensive care. This day also facilitates community engagement, where residents tour other health care facilities to broaden their understanding of local resources and health care delivery models.
Thursdays are dedicated to specialty rotations, both within Sam Rodgers and external collaborations. Residents observe specialists in areas such as women’s health, podiatry, pediatrics, and behavioral health within the center. Outside collaborations, such as with the University of Kansas, expose residents to specialties including neurology, orthopedics, endocrinology, cardiology, and urology. These rotations enrich residents with clinical pearls and insights, which they integrate into their practice and report back to their peers and mentors.
The program ensures all residents receive foundational training in SDOH through tailored education sessions like KC Cares and cultural lunch and learns curated by Rosario. These initiatives delve into food cultures and community dynamics, preparing residents to navigate the nuanced aspects of patient care. Residents also shadow Community Health Workers (CHWs) and engage with the Population Health Team, bridging gaps in health care access and understanding the real-life impact of SDOH on patient health.
Throughout their training, residents at the NP Residency Program at Sam Rodgers are immersed in real-world scenarios that highlight the impact of SDOH on patient care. Innovations such as cultural lunch-and-learns, alongside immersive experiences like the “windshield tour” with Community Health Workers (CHWs), provide a boots-on-the-ground perspective on bridging health care gaps. This approach not only enhances clinical acumen but also fosters empathy and cultural competence, which are crucial for delivering effective, patient-centered care that addresses the diverse needs of underserved populations comprehensively.
“We’re seeing a lot of benefits from this program. Our patients have easier access to care; our residents usually have appointments that are open so patients can be seen quicker,” Director of Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Ginger Vaughn-Pullin reflected. “Our providers that are in the nurse practitioner residency program are really falling in love with the community, and we’re hopeful they’ll stay in community health centers long-term.”
Looking Ahead
Measuring success beyond clinical metrics, including patient experience surveys and tracking long-term outcomes, underscores the impactful progress of the program. With several residents expressing interest in continuing to enhance health care access and outcomes at Sam Rodgers, the program’s influence extends beyond its current participants. It fosters a growing community of health care leaders dedicated to equity and excellence in care delivery.
Dr. Rodgers’ vision of a community-centered health center laid the foundation for the Nurse Practitioner Residency Program. His unwavering dedication to providing equitable health care for all and his deep understanding of the community’s needs inspired its creation. The residency program is a direct realization of Dr. Rodgers’ legacy, ensuring that future generations of health care providers are equipped to deliver high-quality, culturally competent care to those who need it most.
Dr. Vaughn-Pullin aptly sums it up, stating, “Our residents are not just learning; they are leading the future of health care.”
The Nurse Practitioner Residency Program at Sam Rodgers stands as a testament to innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment to community health. Through structured training, mentorship, and interprofessional collaboration, this program empowers NPs to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families across Kansas City. As health care continues to evolve, initiatives like this are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a healthier future for all.
