Nurse Residency Program: Baylee Petry’s medical journey leads to her calling

For Baylee Petry, nursing is more than just a career, it's a calling shaped by personal experiences and a desire to help others.

Petry is already making a difference in her patients' lives as a first-year nurse in Orthopedics and Urology at Reid Health.

A Hollansburg, Ohio, native, her interest in nursing was sparked by her own medical journey and that of a close family member.

In 2018, Petry had hip surgery. The long recovery and interaction with the different people she met and the nurses who were there beside her every step of the way, started her interest in nursing. It was an additional experience with a family member that made a lasting impression and solidified her decision.

"One of my family members who I am close to got cancer and was being treated at Reid. That gave me the perspective of Reid, and that's why I went into nursing," Petry said.

She's one of 20 first-year nurses participating in Reid's inaugural Nurse Residency Program, a yearlong initiative designed to support new graduates as they transition into the clinical practice. She joined Reid in August 2024 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami University Hamilton.

"I really enjoy it. The nurse residency is a great way to connect with peers, co-workers, and others who are having similar experiences, as well as having resources around you when you're in need of help. You get to know others within Reid who have different strengths, and it builds a strong support system." -- Baylee Petry, RN on 4 North for Orthopedics and Urology

An initiative of Reid's Nursing Excellence, Resilience, and Development (NERD) department, the Nurse Residency Program strengthens nurse residents' skills through ongoing education, hands-on learning, and training, equipping them to deliver high-quality patient care.

Petry said she wanted to be part of a residency program because she found it helps new graduates stay in their first position longer. Reid's Nurse Residency appealed to her because it offered a yearlong program along with supportive clinical faculty and connections with peers in the cohort.

Seminars are held once a month with sessions led by Reid topic experts, providing an opportunity to learn something new or outside of her specialty area.

Petry describes the cohort as an amazing group of people, emphasizing their supportive and interactive nature.

"They're very funny and caring. We don't talk over each other, and we always support one another," she said.

Through the residency program, Petry has enhanced her communication skills, learning to navigate conversations with co-workers, physicians, and patients from different backgrounds.

"I've learned so much from others, including those from different generations and specialties. It's helped me improve how I handle new situations," she said.

On the Orthopedics and Urology unit, Petry's days can be hectic and rewarding. She prioritizes patient care, ensuring patients are recovering after procedures, working through therapy, and improving before they're released for home.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is seeing patients regain their independence.

"I love seeing patients get better and go home. Their recovery, especially after something like back surgery, can be life-changing and they feel so much better," she said.

"It's great to see that kind of life transformation for our patients."

Petry believes every Reid team member is genuinely invested in patient care, it's ingrained in the culture.

"We want the patients to have the best care they can have, we're concerned about their well-being, to be the best they can be, and everyone at Reid is working toward that," Petry said.

Looking ahead, Petry hopes to earn a master's degree in education and teach future generations of nurses.

"I would love to be an educator in the nursing field," she said.

Outside of work, Petry enjoys spending time with her parents, Cynnema and Jeff; her sisters, Maria and Jazzlyn; and her fiancé, Jacob. She enjoys writing and reading, and she finds peace in outdoor activities. She and Jacob are planning a hiking trip to upstate New York this summer to unwind.

About Reid Health's Nurse Residency Program
Reid Health joined the Vizient and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (Vizient/AACN) Nurse Residency Program™ to ease the transition of newly graduated nurses to clinical practice. The program promotes quality, safety, and reduces turnover rates for first-year nurses.

For more information on Reid Health's Nurse Residency Program, call (765) 983-3000 ext. 4548. Information on nursing careers and Reid Health is available at reidhealth.org.