22 Sharp HealthCare Optimizing New-to-Sharp Nurse Foundational Education Across the System By standardizing the foundational nursing education for new-to-Sharp hospital nurses, the new systemwide Nursing Foundations of Professional Practice Program optimizes nursing resources, improves efficiencies, and supports consistent, high-quality care . 2025 Nursing Foundations of Professional Practice Program Outcomes Savings of 500 annualized hours of Nursing Specialist time from standardized system Nursing Foundations of Professional Practice Program initiative, increasing their presence and impact at both the unit and organizational levels . Improved by 82% competency in describing safety events and near misses from 55% before training to 100% after, ensuring all nurses can confidently report safety concerns . Improved by 100% the ability to correctly assess patient fall risks from 49% before training to 98% after, significantly enhancing patient safety . In August 2025, Sharp nursing launched the systemwide Nursing Foundations of Professional Practice Program for hospital-based registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses, a program designed to strengthen nursing standards and elevate patient care . Foundational nursing classes were historically developed at the entity level, leading to variations in content and delivery . Recognizing the need for alignment, Sharp transitioned these classes into a standardized, systemwide program that ensures every nurse receives consistent, evidence-based education . A collaborative task force — led by Kim Failla, PhD, RN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, and Mike Froeberg, MSN, RN, CNS, CHSE, AGCNS-BC, CEN, of the Caster Nursing Institute, along with Rochelle Doyle, MSN, RN, CNS, NE-BC, NPD-BC, from Sharp Grossmont Hospital — worked with clinical leaders to design classes integrating best practices, ethical principles and organizational values . The program delivers a structured onboarding schedule for new nurses, streamlining their transition into clinical practice while reinforcing Sharp’s One Sharp nursing culture . The impact is clear: nurses across all entities now operate from the same knowledge base, strengthening collaboration and patient outcomes . This transformation is more than operational — it’s a cultural shift toward unity, excellence and continuous learning . By investing in standardized education, Sharp invests in its nurses and the communities they serve . Class Participants Comments: “I thought this class went smoothly . The foundational information was well presented . Being new to Sharp, this session definitely reinforced my knowledge on foundational material .” “The content is very helpful and well-organized . All of the presentations are interactive and engaging, which really helps me prepare for my new role . I also gained a better understanding of Sharp and the expectations for a new graduate nurse . Overall, it has been a very positive and valuable learning experience .”
