Based upon the successful nurse residency program model, the leadership residency brings together new health care leaders to expedite the likelihood of success in the leadership role. New leaders in health care often come from the ranks-employees with good potential for leadership and management but with little training or support.

Attract and retain your new leaders by investing in this residency program!

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR RWHC MEMBERS!

RWHC is pleased to announce Year 11 of our LEADERSHIP RESIDENCY PROGRAM!

Support the transition of your new leaders as they step up to the challenges of managing, supervising and directing roles

This year-long, bi-monthly leadership residency brings together new health care leaders to expedite their success.

Who Should Apply:
New leaders (supervisors, managers, directors, team leads, charge nurses) with less than one year of leadership experience. Participants should be prepared to commit to the full year program.

Location and Dates:

The in-person modules will be held at the RWHC Office & Training Center in Sauk City. Coaching calls are held virtually in between sessions.
The first day of each session is held from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm CT, and the second day from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm CT.

• Session 1: Thurs, October 8 and Fri, October 9, 2026
• Session 2 : Thurs, December 10 and Fri, December 11, 2026
• Session 3: Thurs, February 11 and Fri, February 12, 2027
• Session 4: Thurs, April 8 and Fri, April 9, 2027
• Session 5: Thurs, June 10 and Fri, June 11, 2027
• Session 6: Thurs, August 12 and Fri, August 13, 2027

Application Deadline: June 15, 2026

RWHC Members may submit multiple applications. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Broad Program Outcomes -The intended outcomes of the Leadership Residency Program include:

• Transitioned successfully from individual contributor to competent supervisor/manager
• Advanced critical thinking for leadership decision-making
• Competency in giving feedback to improve performance of others
• Commitment to life-long learning as a leader
• Full engagement in the leadership role
• Enhanced job satisfaction

Bi-Monthly Learning Sessions for one year -Every other month for one year a leader attends highly interactive and enriching learning sessions, with practical skill-building topics that can be applied immediately. The session schedule is:

• Day 1: 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm CT
• Day 2: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm CT

Coaching Calls - Between sessions for personalized growth and learning.

Email Listserv and Portal - For “just in time” learning, networking and support between sessions

Curriculum Structure - The learning session topics are organized according to:

• Building capacity in the self
• Building capacity as a member of a new team-your leadership peers
• Building capacity as a professional and leader
• Building capacity for leadership across the continuum and beyond

Themes that will run throughout the curriculum:

• Critical thinking, decision making and prioritizing
• Being a visionary
• In the moment leadership
• Defining what kind of leader you want to be
• Personal and professional accountability
  
  

Learning Session	Focus
SESSION 1 Building Capacity Within the Self “Know thyself first”	Welcome to the program! Overview, logistics, integration with your new colleagues Servant leadership Personality assessment Diversity awareness Self-care and stress management Time management Transitioning from peer to “boss” Managing the challenges of being a working manager Identifying personal values
SESSION 2 Building Capacity Within the Self “It’s all about communication”	Assertive communication Preventing and managing conflict Performance Management and Performance Reviews Feedback and coaching skills-having the tough conversations Dealing with bad behavior The importance of debriefing SMART goals The five dysfunctions of a team
SESSION 3 Building Capacity as a Team Member “I can’t do this alone”	Leading a change Managing projects Delegating effectively Collaborating Getting results in your meetings Behavior based interviewing, how to hire the right person PDCA & Lean - Performance improvement
SESSION 4 Building Capacity as a Professional Leader “Walking my talk”	Differentiating management and leadership Defining professionalism Engaging your workforce Creating a positive culture Service excellence Speaking in front of a group
SESSION 5 Building Capacity Across the Continuum “How do I impact the bigger picture?”	Finance for the non-finance managers (charge master, budget, FTE, capital, resource management, developing/managing staffing models) Human Resources (impaired employees, FMLA, ADA, disciplinary/grievances/ performance action plans) Population health and community health needs assessments Managing the competency program Writing business proposals Emotional Intelligence
SESSION 6 Building a Capacity Across the Continuum “How do I follow the rules – and how do I even know what they are?”	Quality and risk management Safety responsibilities Systems Thinking Alignment of mission, vision, values and organizational goals/ CEO Panel Regulations, standards (the Joint Commission, state, CLIA) Compliance Life-long Learning: Five-Year Plan Final program evaluation and celebration

Contacts:

• Corrie Searles, MPT, Leadership Development Educator, Manager
  csearles@rwhc.com , 608-643-1057
  
  
• Erin Smital, BS, RN, Nursing Professional Development Educator, Nurse Residency Coordinator and Lean Residency Coordinator
  esmital@rwhc.com , 608-643-1066
  
  
• Sarah Ewers, BSN, RN, Nursing Clinical Development Educator
  sewers@rwhc.com , 608-644-3227