The University of California, Irvine’s Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing will introduce a family nurse practitioner residency program this October. The initiative is designed to address the shortage of primary care providers in Orange County, as highlighted by the California Health Care Foundation, and aims to strengthen healthcare access for underserved communities.
The new 24-month residency includes a year of practical training followed by a year dedicated to serving CalOptima members. During the first year, participants will receive interdisciplinary mentorship, engage in observational clinical experiences, and complete a structured curriculum. In the second year, residents will deliver care to some of Orange County’s most vulnerable groups.
“This residency will bridge the gap between graduation and clinical mastery,” said Nisa Zacharias, D.N.P., UC Irvine assistant clinical professor of nursing. “Our goal is to support early-career nurse practitioners as they transition into independent practice while improving patient outcomes and expanding access to high-quality care.”
The program places an emphasis on sustainability and health equity by training nurse practitioners who reflect their communities. This approach seeks to build trust, maintain continuity of care, and encourage culturally responsive practices in an effort to reduce health disparities.
Applications are currently being accepted from recent graduates of accredited FNP programs who are interested in advancing health equity and working with vulnerable populations.
UC Irvine has been engaged in its Brilliant Future campaign since October 2019, aiming to raise $2 billion and involve 75,000 alumni in supporting student success, research initiatives, health programs like those at the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, and other university priorities. More information about this campaign can be found at https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/sue-and-bill-gross-school-of-nursing.
UC Irvine was established in 1965 and is part of the Association of American Universities. It is ranked among the top 10 public universities nationally by U.S. News & World Report and has produced five Nobel laureates. The campus enrolls over 36,000 students across 224 degree programs and is led by Chancellor Howard Gillman. As Orange County’s second-largest employer, it contributes significantly to both local and state economies—$7 billion locally and $8 billion statewide—and operates within one of the safest communities globally. Additional details about UC Irvine are available at www.uci.edu.
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