The Graduate: Engaged, Mastering & Succeeding (GEMS) program began at Stamford Hospital in August 2009 with its first cohort consisting of 25 graduate nurses.

 

GEMS is a 12-week orientation program for new RN graduates with less than one year of experience. It is specifically designed to provide the extra support and education needed for new nursing graduates. 

 

The participants are placed in a cohort consisting of other GEMS nurses, allowing each participant to have a strong support system. Each GEMS nurse will be assigned to a primary preceptor, a highly experienced and qualified mentor who is responsible for the coordination of the orientation. Communication between each GEMS nurse and their preceptor is very important to the success of the program. 

 

The 12-week program begins with two weeks in the classroom and continues with ten weeks of orientation following a designated preceptor within the hired nursing unit. The hiring nursing units available to the GEMS varies with each class of GEMS and is based on current and projected RN openings and departmental staffing needs. Please note: each hired GEMS is a full time paid employee from the date of hire.
 

Each week, a mandatory lunch-and-learn session is held with a GEMS coordinator, allowing for debriefing and reflection. At each of these sessions a selected learning topic is presented to further educate the GEMS nurses.

 

 

Please fill out our e-form for more information about the GEMS program. 

We are no longer accepting applications for the August 2013 GEMS class. Please revisit us in September 2013 if you are interested in applying for our February 2014 GEMS class.