Sun River Health originally partnered with Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI) in Middletown, Connecticut to develop the program in 2017. Together with CHCI, Sun River Health has launched a new curriculum to equip new nurse practitioners with the skills necessary to care for populations in need and assume future leadership roles in community health.
The primary goals of the program include:
- Increasing access to high-quality primary care for underserved and special populations, especially rural/agricultural communities
- Providing new nurse practitioners with the expert clinical training necessary to serve as primary care providers in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
- Improving skills, confidence, productivity, and job satisfaction
- Increasing the number of nurse practitioners ready to serve in leadership roles in FQHCs
The program includes precepted primary care sessions, specialty rotations, mentored independent clinics in rural settings, didactic sessions, and quality improvement training. Orientation includes walking tours of local neighborhoods and visits to community-based organizations, multiple Sun River Health site visits, electronic medical record training, and presentations from senior leadership on the responsibilities and privileges of medical staff at Sun River Health.
Three residency spots are currently available for the 2025 – 26 program. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered. Spots in the program are offered on a space-available basis. The program will continue to accept and review applications until the class is filled, but no later than August 1.
For more information or to apply, visit sunriver.org/np-residency or email npresidency@sunriver.org.