Novant Health nurse residency helps new nurses enter growing Cape Fear workforce

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As southeastern North Carolina continues to grow, so does the demand for health care workers.

Ryann Harris is among a new generation of nurses entering the workforce. Her path began in the classroom at Cape Fear Community College and has since led to a career with Novant Health.

Harris said the transition from nursing student to health care professional can come with a learning curve.

Programs such as Novant Health’s nurse residency program are designed to help new nurses build confidence through additional training, guidance and hands-on experience as they begin their careers.

Harris said her education at Cape Fear Community College helped prepare her to care for patients in the same community she calls home.

“Sometimes that imposter syndrome can be very real. I think that the residency allows these new nurses to really explore the field without being terribly intimidated. Building that level of comfort within the system is key to keeping new nurses and keeping them happy,” said Harris.

Health care leaders say programs like the nurse residency can do more than help new nurses transition into the workforce. They can also play a role in retaining trained health care professionals in the Cape Fear region as the need for care continues to increase.