ASPEN, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2026) — Aspen Valley Health celebrated the graduation of four nurses from its New Graduate Nurse Residency Program on July 22, marking another milestone for a program that is helping strengthen the local healthcare workforce while achieving a 100% retention rate among graduates.
This year’s graduates were placed in the ED, OR, SDS and PCU. They completed Aspen Valley Health’s year-long residency program designed to support newly licensed registered nurses as they transition from nursing school to professional practice through mentorship, clinical preceptorships, simulation training and classroom education.
Now in its fourth year, the program was established in 2023 as part of Aspen Valley Health’s commitment to investing in the future of healthcare and developing nursing talent within the community. Developed by April Roark-Gay, DNP, at the request of former Chief Nursing Officer Elaine Gerson, the residency program provides a full year of structured support, exceeding the duration of many traditional nurse residency programs.
“The program was designed to support nurses through their entire first year of practice because that is when many new graduates need the most guidance and mentorship,” said Jenny Rose, RN, co-coordinator of Aspen Valley Health’s Graduate Nurse Residency Program. “Our goal is not simply to fill positions. It’s to ensure nurses are confident, competent and fully prepared to provide exceptional care to our patients.”
Since its inception, the program has produced outstanding results. Prior to this year’s graduation, every nurse who completed the residency program remained employed at Aspen Valley Health, resulting in a 100% retention rate. One graduate from the program’s inaugural cohort now serves as Aspen Valley Health’s Emergency Department Educator, highlighting the program’s long-term impact on career growth and leadership development.
“The success of the program is reflected in our graduates,” said Stacy Vidamour, RN, co-coordinator of the Graduate Nurse Residency Program. “Every nurse who completed the program before this year’s cohort has remained at Aspen Valley Health, and many have gone on to receive Daisy Award recognition and take on leadership opportunities within the organization.”
The program reflects Aspen Valley Health’s commitment to “growing our own” healthcare professionals while ensuring patients continue to receive exceptional care close to home. Many residents come from regional nursing programs, creating opportunities for aspiring nurses to build meaningful careers in the Roaring Fork Valley.
To learn more about Aspen Valley Health’s Graduate Nurse Residency Program, visit aspenvalleyhealth.org/new-graduate-nurse-residency-program.
About Aspen Valley Health
Aspen Valley Health is an independent, community-based healthcare organization serving residents and visitors throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding communities. Guided by a mission of providing extraordinary healthcare in an environment of excellence, compassion and trust, Aspen Valley Health delivers comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and specialty services while investing in innovative programs that strengthen the health and well-being of the region.