Clinical immersion: a residency model for nursing education.

The education of future generations of nurses is in need of philosophic and programmatic transformation in keeping with the rapidly changing health care delivery system. The Nurse Residency Model is one baccalaureate nursing program's response to calls for reform. Rooted in a spirit of collegiality and lifelong learning, the three facets of its philosophy include enhanced socialization, improved transition to practice, and increased student accountability. Students gain increased competency and demonstrate increased accountability with each progressive semester in the program, which culminates in clinical immersion in the senior year. Unique programmatic features of this model include field experiences, the simulation lab, and a work requirement. Additional benefits include resource efficiency and patient safety. Implementation remains an ongoing process. Outcome indicators are expected to yield valuable data on which to develop an evidence base in support of the model.