July 10, 2018 – Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC), a 68-bed acute care hospital serving Grant County in southwest New Mexico, has begun a Nursing Internship Residency program, called GRMC RNternship.

Developed to help new graduate RNs adjust from the academic world to the real world of working as a registered nurse in an acute care setting, the year-long internship begins with an intensive 2-week classroom setting and on-site immersion in clinical departments. The remainder of the year is spent at the bedside caring for patients under the mentorship of a Preceptor. Nursing interns are teamed with mentors who meet with them on a scheduled basis to evaluate their progress, give them encouragement and guide them through the difficult stages of the first year of nursing.

“Studies show that anywhere from 40% to 62% of new RNs quit the profession in the first year because of difficulties adjusting to the responsibilities and demands of nursing,” said Gila Regional Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Peggy White. “Those nurses who receive support and mentoring in the first year fare much better. This program was created to help RNs through that first difficult year and keep them in the profession longer.”

Taffy Arias, chief executive officer of Gila Regional Medical Center, added, “Mentoring programs like the GRMC RNternship helps develop great nurses, and great nurses improve patient outcomes. By bridging the gap between the academic world to the real world of nursing, nurses can learn and grow in their first year under the leadership of our excellent clinical educators.”
New graduate RNs or registered nurses who do not have experience in acute care nursing but want to learn can apply for the GRMC RNternship by calling Human Resources at 575-538-4000 and starting an application. For more information on the GRMC RNternship program call Angie Cox, Clinical Education at 575-956-4715.

About Gila Regional Medical Center
Gila Regional Medical Center is a county-owned, not-for-profit, 68-bed acute care hospital with a strong commitment to the people they serve. Investments in technology and certified caregivers provide quality care delivery through a patient-centered approach. It is home to the Gila Regional Cancer Center; the Surgical Center of the Southwest and was rated a 4-Star Quality Care Hospital by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.