NYC nurse residency program reaches milestone with 5,000 new RNs

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While Filipinos make up only one percent of the US population, they represent more than four percent of the nursing workforce, establishing them as the predominant category of internationally educated nurses in the country.

It is also common for nurses in the Philippines to pursue healthcare careers in the US, a trend that showcases the strong global demand for Filipino nursing expertise.

Speaking of nurses, New York City Mayor Eric Adams marked a significant achievement on Oct. 24, as the Citywide Nurse Residency Program reached a milestone of training 5,000 new registered nurses (RNs) since its launch in 2019.

“New York City’s first nurse residency program has delivered our next generation of frontline health care heroes and they’re going to be keeping the #WorkingPeoplesCity safe and healthy,” the mayor said in an Instagram post.

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The training of 5,000 new RNs through the first city-led nurse residency consortium is more than just a statistical achievement; it symbolizes the progress of Adams’ “Working People’s Tour” which aims to create more job opportunities, drive economic recovery, and foster growth city-wide.

Since its inception, the program has been a beacon of hope for recently graduated and newly hired RNs. It goes beyond conventional training, providing on-the-job guidance and comprehensive support to help nurses launch their careers successfully in the country. This has been embraced by over 28 healthcare facilities throughout New York City, serving as a cornerstone for training and retaining nurses effectively.

“We are in better hands because we’re producing an additional better product to help our health care professionals,” said Adams. “But specifically, our nurses that are doing the job. Overwhelmingly, this profession is made up of folks of color, and a substantial number of them are women. My Filipino Nurses Association, my Nigerian Nurses Association, my Guyanese Nurses Association, my Puerto Rican Nurses Association.”

He added that all the nurses associations, including Filipinos, come together to produce a product and that’s healthcare for the people of the city.

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According to a news release from the official website of the city, one of the said program’s accomplishments is its financial impact on healthcare institutions. By helping hospitals train and retain nurses, it has saved them millions of dollars, preventing the costly turnover that plagues the healthcare industry.

Most notably, the program has led to an impressive average nurse retention rate exceeding 96 percent year-to-date at participating NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) campuses, far surpassing the national average of 84 percent. This not only underscores its effectiveness but also highlights the dedication of healthcare professionals.