Supporting our clinicians and each other

Nursing at HCA Healthcare

We are committed to supporting our nurses and the nursing profession by actively investing in resources, training and development programs to help advance clinical education and inspire tomorrow’s leaders. 

Recruitment and retention

To help address global nursing shortages, HCA Healthcare has invested significantly in the recruitment of quality nurses while also expanding care teams to include positions such as licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs), paramedics and nurse externs. Embracing innovative models of care helps reduce the burden on our nurses and will continue to be a long-term investment to help ensure our nurses have the resources and support they need.

Workforce development

Nurse Residency and StaRN programs
The HCA Healthcare Nurse Residency program partners with the Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses (StaRN) to provide a comprehensive blended program that bridges the gap and supports new graduate nurses transitioning into the role of a professional nurse. The HCA Healthcare Nurse Residency program is a year-long, clinical orientation and professional development curriculum that culminates with an opportunity for participants to reflect on their practice, identify career goals and celebrate their accomplishments. During the first three months of hire, nurse residents are in the Clinical Skills Development phase (Phase I), which features onboarding and orientation (preceptorship, interactive classroom sessions, e-learning, clinical skills practice and simulation experiences). For the remainder of the year, months four through 12, nurse residents will transition into the Professional Development phase (Phase II).  This phase features group mentorship and other professional development experiences for nurse residents to participate in.

Transitioning from student to professional nurse can be challenging. Nurse residents will be surrounded by a community of experienced nurses and fellow nurse residents who are all invested in their success and will help build a foundation for their nursing career. Our evidence-based residency fosters growth and success among participants and provides continued educational support as they transition into the professional nursing role and navigate vast career opportunities.

Centers for Clinical Advancement
HCA Healthcare’s 13 Centers for Clinical Advancement combine large-scale simulation and classroom education in one place. Newly licensed nurse colleagues participate in classroom didactic work, e-learning, hands-on skills training and high-fidelity immersive simulation as part of the nurse residency program.

Specialized manikins are capable of simulating a multitude of patient conditions in real time. While caring for a simulated patient, learners apply the same procedures of retrieving appropriate medications, monitoring and reacting to changing vital signs, and performing lifesaving interventions such as CPR. Technology is available to record every step so students can play back scenarios and debrief with colleagues and trained facilitators to facilitate learning further.

In addition, medications, supplies and patient rooms at each center are exact replicas of what nurses find at HCA Healthcare facilities.