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The mission of the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS) and the University of Alabama School of Nursing (UABSON) Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency (PC-NPR) is to enhance the competencies of Nurse Practitioner residents and to prepare highly qualified leaders in an interprofessional environment with expertise in Veteran-centric care while emphasizing practice-based learning and improvement. BVACHS and UABSON partner in a shared vision of transforming the care of Veterans and their families by working collaboratively to educate compassionate, highly competent nurses and nurse practitioners through the PC-NPR.

The program supports excellence in interprofessional education by emphasizing an understanding of respective roles and responsibilities while addressing barriers to care. There is a focus on honing interprofessional skills thereby advancing ethical, safe Veteran-centric care.

By applying evidence-based findings, residents are expected to define, analyze and synthesize Veteran-centric approaches to whole, person-centered care. Residents must then apply this knowledge to reflect, appraise and adopt Veteran-centric care practices.

Through immersive clinical and didactic experiences, the program enhances practice-based learning and quality improvement skills. Experiences are designed to guide residents in the application and evaluation of strategies aimed at supporting and advancing Veteran outcomes.

The program fosters professional leadership by delivering sustained, high-quality care for Veterans. Residents utilize leadership theories and collaborate with faculty to assess the responsiveness and effectiveness of the Veteran healthcare system.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Recent graduate (within 12 months of program start date) from an accredited advanced practice primary care (e.g., family nurse practitioner or adult-gerontology primary care) nurse practitioner pathway
  • Certification as a family or adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (obtained by start of residency)
  • Eligible for an Alabama nurse practitioner license
  • The residency must be your first position serving as an NP in the same specialty as the residency’s focus
  • Proficient in written and spoken English

Residency Benefits:

  • Competitive stipend
  • Comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays and health benefits
  • Hiring preference for open positions at BVAHCS and other VA facilities upon completion of the residency

Application Timeline:

  • Applications are accepted on a continual basis from October- February each year
  • Interviews are conducted: March-April
  • Selection notifications: May
  • Residency start date: Late September

Application Requirements:

  • Current resume/curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement (250 words or less) describing your aspirations for the residency program, your short-term and long-term career goals and your interest in working with Veterans
  • Three (3) letters of recommendations (1 supervisor, 1 academic and 1 of your choice)

For additional information and to apply, please contact:

Jason Willoughby, MSN, CRNP, NP-C
BVAHCS Residency Interim Director
Jason.Willoughby@va.gov

Alice Springer Bristow, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, CNE, BC-ADM
SON Affiliate Residency Director
abristow@uab.edu