Routes to Rural Readiness: Enhancing Recruitment and Retention of Nurse Practitioners in Rural Primary Care Through Residencies

This study examined the purpose and characteristics of rural NP residencies (postgraduate programs) that aim to promote the successful recruitment, transition, and retention of NPs in rural primary care practice. We compiled a list of rural NP residencies and verified the location of each clinic as rural if it met any of several federal definitions of rurality. We interviewed grant and project administrators, residency program directors, clinic personnel, and former and current NP residents. Of 20 rural NP residencies identified, we interviewed 12 program directors or managers. All but 1 program was 12 months long. Three-quarters had federal funding. Each slowly increased residents’ patient load and included didactic content and specialty rotations. We identified 2 different program models and 3 administrative models. Some NPs’ intentionally chose rural practice, while others opted for a rural residency when unable to secure employment in an urban location. Most programs were new and not yet able to report on residents’ subsequent employment locations. It is premature to conclude definitively that rural NP residencies facilitate and promote NP connectedness to, and investment in, rural communities based on our investigation. Nonetheless, these programs are an option to encourage the recruitment and retention of NPs in rural practice, with further study needed to determine their long-term contribution to rural primary care practice.

For a list of rurally oriented NP programs, visit the RTT Collaborative: https://rttcollaborative.net/rural-programs/

Kaplan L, Pollack SW, Skillman SM, Patterson DG. Is being there enough? Postgraduate nurse practitioner residencies in rural primary care. J Rural Health. Preprint posted online November 28, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12729

Read the full article https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12729

For more information contact Louise Kaplan, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN