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Congratulations to the UVA Health University Medical Center Nurse Residency Program (NRP) on earning four-year Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)® Redesignation With Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). 

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, extends her deepest thanks to NRP Program Manager Ronni Rothwell, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, recently retired, and Director of Nursing Professional Development Services (NPDS) Mary Coffey, PhD, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, TIPC, for their leadership and dedication throughout the process which included extensive documentation and a virtual site visit. 

Baker acknowledges the many NPD practitioners, preceptors, and leaders who contribute daily to the success of the program. "Your work not only helps our Clin 1s become more competent and confident — but also reinforces UVA Health’s reputation as a place where new graduate nurses are supported and empowered to thrive as they transition into professional practice.” 

Hails Coffey: “This reaccreditation validates the strength of our NRP and our intentional investment in the nursing workforce. By supporting nurses early in their careers — we strengthen retention, professional development, and ultimately, the quality and safety of patient care.”  

Ashley Mangum, MSN, RN, CNL, Nurse Manager, NRP, NPDS, succeeded Rothwell: “I am honored to step into the role of Nurse Manager for NRP. It's a privilege to support our new nurses as they begin their careers, and I hope their journey at UVA Health is long and fulfilling," she says. "The strength of our program is reflected in our ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)® designation — a testament to the transformative impact we strive to make in the lives of our nurses, and ultimately, our patients."

Mangum is grateful to Rothwell for establishing the foundation of the program and leading the effort to secure accreditation, and to Briana Jacobs, MSN, RN, CNL, for her "pivotal contribution" in achieving the "With Distinction" designation.

Mangum adds: "I also want to recognize our exceptional nurse coordinators — Sara Read, MSN, RN; Jennifer C. Kastello, PhD, WHNP, RN; Briana Jacobs MSN, RN, CNL; April Laughlin, MSN-Ed, RN — whose passion and leadership help our new nurses thrive — and our Resident Facilitators, Nursing Professional Development Specialists, and Practitioners for their dedication and partnership in making this program possible.”