Heritage Health FNP
Residency Program
MISSION
The Heritage Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program aims to improve access to and the quality of healthcare in our community by advancing the education of newly graduated Nurse Practitioners. Through comprehensive training that provides depth, intensity, and breadth, the program supports new providers in developing competence, clinical expertise, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to deliver high-quality care to our community.    
VISION
Heritage Health FNP residency program aims to train the next generation of expert primary and behavioral health care providers. We will develop future Nurse Practitioners in regional safety net settings, contributing to providing and improving access to quality health care to our community's most vulnerable populations.
Application Requirements
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Apply by clicking on the Apply Today button placed on this webpage when the application period is open.
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Three Letters of Recommendation (email to kblackburn@myhertiagehealth.org)
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Letters of recommendation must come from each of the following individuals:
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Academic program director or faculty member
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Clinical Preceptor
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Current or previous supervisor
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Our program is accredited through the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers Learn more about the rigorous standards of the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers.
Visitors to our site are encouraged to provide public comments as part of our accreditation process. Please visit the Accreditation Status and Public Comment Website.
About Heritage Health
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Heritage Health has proudly served North Idaho since 1985 under the names of Lake City Health and Dirne Health Centers, Inc. Heritage Health is a private, non-profit 501(C)(3)charitable organization operating under the name of Dirne Health Centers, Inc.​
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Heritage Health is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are active patients at our centers. This structure, combined with our non-profit status allows Heritage Health to be responsive first and foremost to the needs of our patients and not corporate shareholders. Our culture, pricing, hours of operation, services, locations, and strategic direction are set by people who rely on us for their healthcare needs.​
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Our unique structure is what sets us apart from the other profit focused healthcare organizations in our area. We truly are a community-owned and operated resource.​
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We are a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n).​
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In addition to Primary Care, we offer Behavioral Health Therapy, Substance Abuse Treatment, Psychiatric Med Management, Dental Services, Homeless Outreach, Dietary and Clinical Services.​
Program Structure
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Four applicants are selected yearly
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Program starts in October and runs for 13 months
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Specialty rotations
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Participants will have an opportunity to complete specialty rotations within Heritage Health. The internal sites could include but are not limited to: Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, and Street Medicine Community Outreach. The program also offers rotations with our community partners. These rotations could include but are not limited to: Rheumatology, Urology, Orthopedics , Wound Care, and Nephrology.
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Regularly scheduled didactics
Our Facilities
You will be working out of our Heritage Health Coeur d'Alene Medical Clinic.
Our Residents
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Interested in gaining primary care experience working in a community health center setting.
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MSN or DNP graduate from a CCNE or ACEN accredited Family Nurse Practitioner program.
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Must be licensed in Idaho and credentialed by program start date.
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Must have obtained a certification and license to practice not longer than 18 months before the start of the residency program
Meet Our Staff
NP Clinical Program Director
Lindsey Page
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NP Residency Manager
Kaylee Blackburn
PAST RESIDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Being part of the residency program has been pivotal in readying me to become the best practitioner I can be. The guidance and education I have had within this program has help build my confidence and has provided me shoulder to shoulder guidance during my first year of practice, which has been invaluable."
Angela Blake
GRADUATE
"The Nurse Practitioner residency program has helped me gain additional clinical knowledge and confidence in a supportive environment. This hands-on experience is such a valuable option for new nurse practitioners to boost skills and expertise. I have personally enjoyed specialty rotations, training with mentors, and didactic sessions."
Annie Owen
GRADUATE
HERITAGE HEALTH PRIMARY CARE HPSA SCORE - 18
This attribute represents the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Score developed by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) in determining priorities for the assignment of clinicians. The scores range from 0 to 25 where the higher the score, the greater the priority.
As an NHSC S2S LRP participant, you must work at an NHSC-approved site with a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) score of 14 or higher.Heritage Health has a Primary Care HSPA Score of 18 as of November 2022.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
​I don’t graduate until a few months before the start of the residency. Can I still apply?
Yes, but you must be licensed and credentialed in Idaho by the program start date.
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What is the main purpose of an NP Residency?
The main purpose of a Nurse Practitioner (NP) Residency is to bridge the gap between education and independent clinical practice by providing newly graduated NPs with structured, hands-on training and mentorship. Residents will benefit from didactic sessions, a ramp-up schedule to ease their transition, and a dedicated preceptor during continuity clinic, ensuring comprehensive support as they build confidence and refine their clinical skills in a supportive environment.
Are residents employees of Heritage Health?
Yes, Residents are temporary full-time employees and receive both a salary and benefits. Additionally, accepted residents are eligible for reimbursement of licensure fees.