Last month, 13 newly licensed RNs received the coveted “blue badge.”  This was a day to celebrate, as it designated them off of orientation, and ready to practice on their own.

“It’s kind of a silly tradition, but has become quite meaningful – almost like a rite of passage,” shared Mandy, RN Residency Coordinator.  Upon hire, the nurses get a green badge, which helps remind staff that they are on orientation and not working independently yet.  Switching over to the blue badge allows the team to celebrate and acknowledge how far each Resident has come over the past 16 weeks.  It’s even often accompanied by some applause from peers.

After putting in nearly four months of training on the floor with preceptors, our nurses wear their badges proudly as they become “one of us” – they’ve earned it.