Jasper, Ga. (June 30, 2025) – Piedmont Mountainside Hospital proudly celebrated the graduation of its Summer 2024 Nurse Residency cohort, marking a significant milestone in Piedmont’s ongoing commitment to transforming healthcare and making a positive difference in every life we touch.
The cohort—Shelly Shedd, Kennedy Hannah, Brianna Staten, and Megan Larson—successfully completed the 12-month, Accredited Nurse Residency Program, which supports new graduate nurses as they transition into clinical practice. Their capstone project, “Benefits of Lower Nurse to Patient Ratios,” highlighted the powerful connection between staffing levels and improved patient outcomes, including enhanced safety, satisfaction, and reduced medication errors. The research also emphasized the positive impact on nurse retention and the financial benefits of lowering turnover.
“This program has been a resounding success,” said Jim Gay, Nurse Residency Coordinator at Piedmont Mountainside. "The growth and buy-in exhibited by our nurse residents has been nothing short of astounding. It is a direct reflection of the collective efforts of our leadership, managers, preceptors, and unit-based educators.”
The Nurse Residency Program is part of the Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) and is implemented across 17 Piedmont hospitals in Georgia. Every new graduate nurse at Piedmont is enrolled in the program, reinforcing the system’s dedication to clinical excellence, continuous learning, and compassionate care.
Denise Ray, Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont Mountainside and Chief Nursing Executive for Piedmont Healthcare System, praised the graduates and the program’s broader impact: “We are incredibly proud of our nurse residents and the dedication they’ve shown throughout this program. Their research and commitment to improving patient care exemplify the values we hold dear at Piedmont—Championing Patient-Centered Care in our communities by leading with purpose and serving with heart.”
As Piedmont continues to invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals, programs like this ensure that new nurses are not only prepared for the demands of modern healthcare but are also empowered to lead meaningful change.