CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2022 - 17

COL L EG E
17
GET TO
KNOW
Alexis
Ricamonte
Originally from San Francisco, CA, Ricamonte finished up her pre-requisites some time before moving
to Colorado. Once here, she signed up for the University of Colorado College of Nursing's BS program
through the traditional pathway. " I chose CU and the Anschutz Medical Campus because its focus on
health professions. It was the perfect environment to be in. I never thought of any other colleges or
programs, " says Ricamonte.
preceptor arm of the PBRNR. " I'm actually a little jealous
of this residency. I wish I had it when I first graduated as
it would have made the transition to nursing much easier. "
For Alexis Ricamonte, a May 2021 BS graduate of CU
Nursing, the program has been just what she needed. " I
was excited to be ready to be a nurse. However, I was intimidated,
especially to break into the ICU. "
NO MILITARY SERVICE REQUIRED
Ricamonte is not part of the military and has never served.
However, she truly enjoyed her clinical rotation at VA
Eastern Colorado Health Care System when she was on the
psych floor during her undergraduate program. " It felt like
what I wanted my nursing career to feel like. It's so diverse
at the VA and the many benefits of working for the VA are
amazing. I felt at home and that I belonged. "
During her final year at CU, she received an email about the
PBRNR program and seriously considered the opportunity
as it seemed like a great way to learn about VA and its
systems, get her feet wet while becoming more confident
and competent under experienced guidance and oversight.
" I'd heard about the many benefits and pros of working at
VA and was intrigued. I really wanted to get into the ICU
and the nurses at the VA are very experienced and have
a great foundation for someone who wants an amazing
preceptorship. They support you and nurture you while
you're a new grad pursuing your career. "
ONE-YEAR PAID RESIDENCY PROVIDES
TIME TO GROW AND LEARN
The benefit of this residency is that " You're not just stuck
on one unit, " says Ricamonte. Rotating through different
clinics and aspects of VA Eastern Colorado Health Care
System, helps the novice nurse learn the VA way. " VA does
things so differently. Because I'm not in the military, I am
getting a new perspective and I appreciate it in a way I
didn't expect. "
Boyrer likens the one-year paid residency to hatching
little chicks. " Basically, VA is a mother hen for a year,
hugging you, carrying you so you
feel confident ... until you're ready
to fly on your own. "
PBRNR offers six spots for recent
graduates. According to Montoya
and Boyrer, the CU College of
Nursing's reputation as a leader,
pioneer in nursing education, and
advanced learning methods makes
it a great community partner. " Additionally,
CU Nursing recognizes
the emerging healthcare specialty
of the veteran and military service
member population, and designed
curriculum specific to the needs
of this group, " says Montoya. The
second cohort (2022-2023) of the
PBRNR program will be inducted
in September. Applications are now
being sought.
The VA
Eastern
Colorado
Health Care
System is
located on
the Anschutz
Medical
Campus.

CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2022

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