Safety concerns of hospital-based new-to-practice registered nurses and their preceptors

On graduation, nursing students enter a critical transition process to become professional registered nurses (RNs).

Six new-to-practice RN groups and seven preceptor groups convened to explore their views of the safety concerns of new-to-practice RNs.

The main learning needs of new-to-practice RNs identified by both preceptors and new-to-practice RNs centered on perceptions of uncertainty about technical aspects of nursing care. Lack of critical thinking and inability to think holistically contributed to increased stress. Preceptors who provided frequent feedback in a positive manner were rated as important to the developmental process of becoming a skilled RN.

Safety and learning needs identified in this study are amenable to teaching solutions, both in academia and in the hospital work setting.