Dominican Hospital’s Nurse Residency Program Earns National Accreditation

Santa Cruz, California - August 17, 2026 — Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, a member of CommonSpirit Health, has received accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for its National Nurse Residency Program. This milestone recognizes Dominican Hospital’s commitment to supporting new graduate nurses as they transition from the academic setting to professional clinical practice.

The Practice Transition Accreditation Program is considered to be the gold global-standard for nurse residency programs, acknowledging that Dominican Hospital’s curriculum and clinical mentorship meet rigorous, evidence-based criteria. By achieving this designation, the hospital demonstrates that its residency program provides a comprehensive, structured learning environment to support  nurse retention, enhances clinical outcomes and improves patient safety.

"Receiving this accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our clinical educators and the culture of excellence we have cultivated here at Dominican Hospital," said Christine McSweeney, Dominican Hospital President. "We believe that investing in our new nurses is the most effective way to ensure the future of high-quality healthcare in Santa Cruz County. This accreditation confirms that our Nurse Residency Program provides the necessary tools, mentorship, and clinical foundation for our nurses to deliver the highest standard of clinical care."

The transition into professional nursing is a critical period for new graduates. Dominican Hospital’s Nurse Residency Program is designed to bridge this gap through a comprehensive 12-month program that combines classroom instruction, simulation training and direct mentorship from experienced preceptors. The program focuses on clinical skills, critical thinking, professional development and emotional well-being.

Key benefits of the accredited program include:

• Enhanced clinical competency: Rigorous training that mirrors the complexities of patient care.

• Increased retention: A supportive onboarding process that addresses burnout and fosters career satisfaction.

• Improved patient outcomes: Prepared nurses lead to safer, more efficient and compassionate patient care.

“This achievement would not be possible without the entire Dominican Hospital team's dedication to supporting new nurses and delivering high-quality patient care to our community," added Erica Nelson, National Nurse Residency Program Site Coordinator. "When a patient walks through our doors, they deserve the most confident and capable nursing staff. This accreditation assures our patients that our nurses are trained at the highest national standards."

Dominican Hospital remains dedicated to fostering a professional environment where innovation, education, clinical excellence and compassion intersect. The hospital continues to recruit top nursing talent and invest in ongoing professional development opportunities for its staff.

Visit the Dignity Health website for more information about the Dominican Hospital Nurse Residency Program and career opportunities. 

About Dignity Health California 
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9,000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 28 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, primary care clinics, and St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center in Stockton. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California.

Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more about Dignity Health and CommonSpirit Health.