Workforce Innovation Nursing Network (WINN)
Colorado Rural New Graduate Nurse Residency
Helping Rural Healthcare Partners Support New Graduate Nurses
The WINN New Graduate Nurse Residency Program was an innovative, rural-focused workforce initiative designed to strengthen the transition to practice for new graduate nurses by providing them with the support they needed to quickly get up to speed. By combining structured learning, preceptors and mentorship, and clinical support, the program equipped new nurses with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive in complex healthcare settings.
WINN promoted leadership development, critical thinking, and professional growth while providing consistent guidance during nurses’ first year of practice. By investing in early-career nurses and rural healthcare systems, the program strengthened the nursing workforce, enhanced retention, and built a sustainable partnerships to develop future skilled nursing professionals.
Program Impact: 2023 - 2026
This three-year program funded by the US Department of Labor, concluded in January 2026. The results have been clear and impactful.
Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
The Center Continues to Offer Preceptor Training
April 2026
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 8:00am - 1:30pm
Click Here for More Information
This training is for Region 8 Clinical Faculty & Preceptor Academy participants, as well as any clinical professionals with an interest in preceptorship.
Contact [email protected] if you would like more information about the Preceptor Training Series.
Have Questions?
Contact Tondeleyo Gonzalez at [email protected]
A Day in the Life of a Rural Nurse
This video was produced by the University of Utah College of Nursing Nurse, Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Program in 2022 and features their rural clinic partner, Wayne Community Health located in Bicknell Utah.This video and University of Utah program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UK1HP31735 as part of an award totaling 2.8 million dollars with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The content of this program does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Employer Partners
We couldn't have done this important work without our wonderful Partners and Sponsors!
* Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.