By Victoria Francia, Graduate RN
I began my nursing journey as a medical assistant and compounding pharmacy technician. In 2015, I embarked on a new chapter by moving to New Hampshire and joining the team at Nashua Rheumatology as a medical assistant. While there, I had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated nurse whose influence sparked my aspiration to become a nurse myself, and I enrolled in the nursing program at Rivier University in 2019.
After dedicating six years to Nashua Rheumatology, I decided to transfer to Immediate Care of Hudson. This transition opened my world to a broader spectrum of acute conditions and a diverse range of injuries. I worked with some incredible nurses, including Julie Casey and Diana Kellogg, who significantly contributed to shaping me into the nurse I am today.
My nursing journey reached a significant milestone in August 2023 when I proudly graduated from nursing school and successfully passed the certification exam in October 2023.
I have been honored to serve at Southern New Hampshire Health for eight years, and my connection with this institution runs deep. When I learned about the recently established Nurse Residency Program, I knew it was the right opportunity for me. The program runs for one year from the start of employment. It is designed to support registered nurses new to the acute care setting with a combination of simulation and clinical experiences. The classes offered through the nurse residency program have been a perfect refresher, enhancing my confidence in the skills I acquired during school.
So far, my experience with the program has been nothing short of fantastic. I have formed meaningful friendships, and the support I receive aligns perfectly with my needs and aspirations. I am truly content and grateful for the path I have chosen, and I can’t envision myself working anywhere else. The added support and educational opportunities provided by the residency program have made my journey even more enriching and fulfilling.