Nurse Practitioner Residency Program

Overview:

Esperanza Health Center’s Nurse Practitioner Residency Program is a full-time, 15-month, salaried position that provides a structured, supportive, and effective environment for new graduate nurse practitioners. The program includes precepted primary care sessions, specialty rotations, mentored independent sessions, a quality improvement project, and weekly didactic sessions. 

Mission:

As an organization compelled by the love of Christ in caring for the people who live in North Philadelphia, Esperanza Health Center has created a Nurse Practitioner Residency Program in order to equip newly graduated nurse practitioners to confidently, compassionately, and effectively provide holistic primary health care to people in historically marginalized urban communities. 

By the end of this residency program, the trainee will be fully equipped to:

  • Effectively care for complex primary care patients in an urban FQHC setting
  • Demonstrate clinical leadership skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and integrity using an integrated team model
  • Understand how inequities in social drivers of health affect the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities
  • Integrate cultural awareness and sensitivity into every aspect of clinical practice
  • Be knowledgeable in quality improvement, population health, and integrated health systems
  • Provide effective spiritual intervention with patients, sharing hope and salvation through Jesus Christ, according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, motivated always by love and humility
  • Practice to the fullest extent of the nurse practitioner license

Curriculum Components:

  • Scaffolded primary care rotations in independent sessions and precepted sessions with gradual development of personal patient panel
  • High-yield, weekly didactic sessions in relevant primary care topics
  • Specialty rotations in OB-GYN, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), HIV care, and others
  • Development of a quality improvement project
  • Regular collaboration meetings with Program Director and other experienced clinicians
  • Prior to employment, a stipend for up to 3 months of immersive Spanish language training is available for those who need it.

Applicant Eligibility:

Eligible candidates will

  1. possess a sincere interest in Family Medicine as a career;
  2. have graduated from an accredited Family Nurse Practitioner program in the past 24 months;
  3. possess an active, unencumbered nursing license in the state of Pennsylvania;
  4. be board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through either the AANP or ANCC BEFORE September 1, 2025;
  5. be proficient in English and Spanish. Immersive language training is available with a stipend prior to employment if needed;
  6. and be either a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.

Timeline:

Application opens: Dec. 1st, 2024

Application closes: Feb. 28th, 2025

Program start: Sep. 1st, 2025

Receive Updates and Reminders Here

Please email the Program Director, Steven Wood, FNP, at steven.wood@esperanzahealth.com with any questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should I consider a NP residency program instead of going directly into independent practice?

We acknowledge that the transition from school to practice is difficult and have found that further clinical training in a supportive environment benefits and prepares new graduates for a long, impactful career. Nurse practitioner residency programs around the country have been shown to decrease burnout, increase competency, and increase job satisfaction. 

I am graduating in May 2024. Can I apply?

Yes! We encourage May 2024 graduates to apply. We only ask that, if selected for the NP Residency, all efforts be made to schedule and pass boards as soon as possible after graduation. 

Do I need to be fluent in Spanish to apply for Esperanza’s NP Residency Program?

Because the majority of our patients speak primarily Spanish, our providers must be proficient and comfortable providing medical care in Spanish. While preference is given to applicants with pre-existing ability speaking Spanish, all applicants will be considered. Esperanza provides a stipend for up to 12 weeks (length is dependent on need) of immersive language training in a Spanish-speaking country. Esperanza has relationships with several reputable schools in Central and South America. 

Am I guaranteed a job after completion of the NP Residency Program?

Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee a job after completion of residency. However, should there be space within Esperanza to hire a NP around the time of completion of the residency program, our leadership will give preference to residency-trained nurse practitioners. 

When does the residency start and end?

The residency program begins in early September and ends by November of the following year. 

How many residents do you take each year?

We are currently accepting 2 residents per year. 

What kind of clinical support do residents receive as they are seeing patients?

Residents will always have either a preceptor, collaborating physician, or other experienced provider available for questions or concerns. There are also regular scheduled check-ins with the Program Director. We aim to provide a highly supportive, scaffolded environment in order to facilitate safe and effective learning for each resident. 

Does this program accept Physician Assistants?

Qualified physician assistants will be considered.