Background: Transitioning from the student nurse role to professional clinical practice is often challenging for a novice nurse. The high turnover rate for newly graduated nurses is a significant and well-established problem. Understanding the new graduate nurses' transition to professional practice is essential to support and promote effective practice readiness and nursing retention. While there are multiple variables that may affect a new graduate nurse’s adjustment to clinical practice, nurse residency programs have been shown to be an effective strategy to assist new graduate nurses in transitioning confidently to the new professional role. While all transition programs are designed to assist novice nurses in developing confidence and clinical competence, program designs vary.
Purpose/Specific Aims: This study aimed to investigate how novice nurses perceive their readiness to practice after completing a nurse residency program, potentially leading to a higher retention rate.
Methods: The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey was distributed to novice nurses at a small community hospital. Questions on role transition, preceptorship, and learning needs assessment of skills were included.
Results: Overall, novice nurses who completed the nurse residency programs were satisfied with the elements of the program and felt confident in their skills as they transitioned to professional nursing practice.
Conclusion: Nurse residency programs can provide a learning environment that can assist in building the novice nurse's confidence and increasing practice-ready perception as they transition to the nurse's professional role and have a positive effect on the nurse’s willingness to remain at their organization.
