Did you know that Maryland is the first state in the nation to have all acute care hospitals offer a nurse residency program for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses (NLRNs)? In 2013, nursing leaders formed the Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative (MNRC) to help support Maryland hospitals implement high-quality nurse residency programs.
These residency programs across the state are coordinated by fantastic nurse educators who provide a strong foundation and smooth transition into the profession for newly licensed nurses.
This series puts a spotlight on those MNRC and NRP coordinators here in Maryland!
Stephanie Al-Adhami, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CAPA is the Nurse Residency Program Manager at Howard County General Hospital. She was kind enough to share about her journey below.
Tell us briefly how and why you became a nurse educator.
"For my first nursing job, I was hired onto a unit that had never previously accepted new graduate nurses. At the time, the hospital did not have a Nurse Residency Program, and working with nurses who averaged decades of experience left me feeling vulnerable and unprepared.
My biggest support during that time came from my preceptor and nurse educator who met me where I was and helped me grow in my skills and confidence. I cannot overstate how important they were in helping me have a successful transition to practice.
Their influence had such a meaningful impact on me that it made me want to commit myself to being a supportive resource for other nurses trying to grow in their careers."
What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career as an educator?
"Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody, because you never know who is taking your words and actions to heart."
What advice would you offer to those interested in becoming an educator?
"Find a mentor - and utilize them!
Mentors can deepen your understanding of the specialty, help you identify your strengths and areas for growth, facilitate opportunities for you to develop as an educator, and make connections to others in the field.
As with any branch of nursing, developing a strong team means growing our own. Educators realize this and want to help you achieve your career goals."
What is your proudest accomplishment as an educator?
"Graduating my first cohort of nurse residents that I led through the entire Nurse Residency Program. It is so gratifying to watch as a once timid and insecure nurse resident become a competent, confident nurse leading their unit in best practice.
Knowing I played a part not only in that nurse's growth, but also in the quality patient care they provide, gives me great professional satisfaction."
Thank you to Nurse Residency Program Manager Stephanie Al-Adhami for sharing her story and insight, in addition to the important work she does every day guiding new nurses!
Stay tuned for future spotlights on nurse residency coordinators here in Maryland.
Learn more about the MNRC and the NRP Experience.
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