Nurse Practitioner Residency

Established in 2015, the nurse practitioner residency prepares the nurse practitioner to become a competent clinician by developing skills in all aspects of emergency medicine while keeping the core nursing values of providing compassionate and empathetic care. The residency promotes the smooth transition from registered nurse (RN) to nurse practitioner (NP) who gains advanced skills, thinks critically, and works at the top of the scope of practice. The highly intensive 12- month curriculum is divided between the adult emergency department, pediatric emergency department (family nurse practitioners only), and multiple off-service rotations in key specialties. Every year, we accept between 2-4 candidates through a rigorous application and interview process. Applications are rolling, although starting January 1 they will start to be reviewed, interviews are held in April/May, and accepted candidates start on November 1 of the same year.

Nurse practitioner emergency medicine residents are employed by Weill Cornell Medicine with clinical appointments at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. For the 2024-2025 cycle, the residency stipend will be $60,000 per year. For the upcoming cycle, the residency stipend is $75,200. Residents receive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as 3 weeks paid vacation, $900 for CME expenses, and $296 for licensing-type costs. On-campus housing and parking are offered but subject to availability.

• Nurse practitioner residency application
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• Official NP program transcript
• GPA of 3.5 or above
• Minimum of 2 years nursing experience (strong preference given to candidates with prior emergency medicine and/or critical care nursing experience)
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from NP program director (on institutional letterhead, sent directly by the writers to the residency)
• Application fee of $40

If accepted, the candidate must obtain the following prior to November 1st. 

** Please keep in mind, hospital credentialing takes approximately 3 months to complete

• Degree from accredited nurse practitioner program
• Current Nurse Practitioner board certification from American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses of Credentialing Center (ANCC), or American Association of Critical Care Nursing (AACN)
• Current New York State RN and NP license
• Active DEA and NPI number
• ACLS, PALS, and BLS certification
• ATLS certification (may be obtained during orientation week)
• New York State certifications in infection control and Reporting Child Abuse

To apply, click the link the Apply Now section

The residency begins with a classroom and simulation lab-based orientation, which introduces the Emergency Department’s electronic medical record, operating procedures, and workflow. Lectures and hands-on sessions cover fundamental emergency medicine topics such as splinting, suturing, EKG interpretation, and approach to the medical and surgical conditions commonly seen in the ED. The opportunity to obtain Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) as well as the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) course certification is also offered at this time. 

Each resident is allowed to request three weeks of paid vacation during the residency. These requests are due at least two months before the start of the residency so that we can incorporate them into your block schedule. 

Residents will rotate in the adult emergency department at both the Weill Cornell and Lower Manhattan campuses, and the pediatric emergency department at Weill Cornell (family nurse practitioners). Residents will evaluate and treat patients under the direct supervision of attending physicians as well as senior advanced practice providers. This close relationship provides an outstanding forum to learn from the diversity and complexity of medical conditions treated in the ED. Nurse practitioner emergency medicine residents also work collegially alongside physician residents and physician assistant residents, caring for patients of all acuity levels, including the most critically ill and injured patients. A typical work week involves an average of four 12-hour shifts. Each resident is expected to work a fair share of day, evening, night, and weekend shifts, as well as legal and religious holidays.

The majority of learning throughout the residency is clinically based and at the bedside, under the supervision of both physicians and senior advanced practice providers. Post-shift, nurse practitioner emergency medicine residents are expected to read independently to learn more about the specific diseases and patient presentations encountered that day.

The rotation schedule provides nurse practitioner emergency medicine residents with a solid foundation in clinical skills, knowledge, and procedures. We chose specialties that are most applicable to emergency medicine, with emphasis on critical care. When rotating through an offservice department, the residents serve as a full member of the sub-specialty team. Experiencing patient care from another specialty’s perspective provides residents with a broad understanding of the healthcare system and patient experience and allows residents to become more effective emergency providers. This experience also allows residents to meet the extraordinary members of other teams and form long-term professional relationships and connections. The off-service schedule varies between four and five 12-hour shifts per week.

Nurse practitioner emergency medicine residents are required to attend the daily Morning Report and weekly Wednesday Conference. Morning Report is an hour of education held before each weekday shift and is led by EM resident physicians. Typically, it includes either an interesting case presentation or a review of a specific topic. The weekly Wednesday Conference is taught by faculty from both Weill Cornell and Columbia University, as well as distinguished visitors from other institutions (Grand Rounds). It focuses on in-depth exploration of core EM topics. During rotations away from the ED, residents may also be required to attend conferences sponsored by the host department.

On the third Monday of every month, physician assistant residents and nurse practitioner residents join Residency Meetings and Callback Days led by APP Residency leadership. Residency meetings consist of resident case presentations and administrative or operational housekeeping. Callback days feature four hours of education on core EM topics, including lectures, hands-on training, and simulations.

Our residents are also required to attend several annual events hosted by our department. In March, the Protected Airway Course teaches the latest advances in airway management and intubation through innovative and hands-on stations. In June, we host a Point-of-Care Ultrasound Course, and in December, we host a two-day conference for PAs and NPs called “Clinical Updates in Emergency Medicine.”

Our residency works very closely with the Weill Cornell Medicine Simulation Center, which uses state-of-the-art equipment to teach critical procedures and practice resuscitation. ED faculty fellowship-trained in medical simulation guide our residents through realistic, hands-on training in a safe space. Simulation is a core component of all didactic opportunities, including Morning Report, Wednesday Conference, Callback Days, and other events. 

Required in-service exams will be conducted three times over the course of the 12-month program. The content of these proctored exams covers foundational topics in emergency medicine and is designed to advance competency in this field.

Residents are encouraged to join us at the annual Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants where we learn and network with other emergency PA / NP residents from across the country. One week of protected time is set aside in the schedule for this opportunity. Residents can use CME money to cover travel, lodging, and costs of conference.

One week of the residency curriculum is dedicated to an elective, where residents can explore a specialty or interest of their choosing. Optional electives include, but are not limited to EMS, Hematology/Oncology, Palliative Care, ED Administration & Leadership, Geriatrics, SIM.