PORTLAND, Maine –The MaineHealth Nurse Residency Program has earned “accreditation with distinction” through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Program (ANCC PTAP). This recognition reflects the system’s commitment to preparing newly licensed nurses for successful clinical practice through structured mentorship, education and hands-on experience.
The ANCC PTAP accreditation is considered the global standard for nurse residency and transition-to-practice programs. Accreditation validates that a health system’s residency program follows rigorous, evidence-based standards that support new graduate nurses as they begin professional practice.
“MaineHealth is deeply committed to investing in the growth and development of our nursing workforce,” said MaineHealth Chief Nursing Officer Sharon Baughman. “Achieving accreditation with distinction recognizes the strength of our education programs and the supportive environment we have created for newly licensed nurses as they begin their careers.”
The yearlong Nurse Residency Program at MaineHealth supports nurses with less than one year of experience through a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum. Participants engage in monthly seminars, clinical skills sessions and practice projects while receiving guidance from experienced nurse leaders and preceptors.
“Residency was a great experience that provided a safe space to share my challenges and fears of the transition into nursing,” said Rose Brewer, who graduated from the program in 2025. “It empowered me to grow personally and professionally, and built confidence in my ability to communicate.”
In addition to its other benefits, the program has had a positive impact on strengthening the nursing workforce at MaineHealth. 85% of graduates have been retained over the last 2 years, which exceeds the national benchmark of approximately 70%.
Learn more about the MaineHealth Nurse Residency Program.
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About MaineHealth
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.