Throughputs
NPD Forecast: Building Confidence in New Nurses Through Residency Programming
August 31, 2026 — Lauren Baumhart, BSN, RN
Gabrielle Brod Nytes, MSN, RN, PCCN, NPD-BC
In this episode of NPD Forecast, recorded live at ANPD headquarters in Chicago, hosts Naomi Fox, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, and Stephanie Zidek, PhD, RN, AGCNS-BC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, welcome Lauren Baumhardt, BSN, RN, and Gabrielle Brod Nytes, MSN, RN, PCCN, NPD-BC, of Loyola Medicine's new graduate nurse residency program. Together, they explore how nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners support new graduate nurses through the transition to practice, discuss the evolving needs of today's nurse residents, and share insights from their work preparing for American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) accreditation. The conversation also explores:
- The structure, goals, and impact of Loyola Medicine's nurse residency program
- Key lessons learned while preparing for PTAP accreditation and measuring program success
- Strategies for supporting nurse wellness, resilience, and professional growth during the first year of practice
- How residency programs and NPD practitioners can adapt to meet the future needs of new graduate nurses
Lauren Baumhart, BSN, RN
Transition to Practice Implementation Specialist, Loyola Medicine
Lauren Baumhardt, BSN, RN, began her nursing career as a new graduate nurse in the Regional Loyola Medicine New Graduate Nurse Residency Program. She now serves as a transition to practice implementation specialist and site coordinator for the same program. With a clinical background in neonatal nursing, she has held a variety of leadership roles supporting patient care and professional practice. Baumhardt is currently earning her Master of Science degree in nursing and healthcare administration at Loyola University Chicago and is dedicated to advancing the successful transition of new graduate nurses into professional practice through residency programming and professional development initiatives.
Gabrielle Brod Nytes, MSN, RN, PCCN, NPD-BC
Transition to Practice Implementation Specialist, Loyola Medicine
Gabrielle Brod Nytes, MSN, RN, PCCN, NPD-BC, is a transition to practice implementation specialist at Loyola University Medical Center. She has a nine-year nursing background which includes neuro and tele stepdown, cardiothoracic surgery, and med surg. Her current position aims to support new graduate nurses throughout their first year of their careers and set them up for opportunities to develop professionally as they mature in their roles.