A new-graduate program: empowering the novice nurse

Healthcare organizations struggle to find efficient and effective strategies to facilitate the transition of a new graduate into the staff nurse role. The authors have developed a retreat program aimed at assisting new graduates during this transitional period. The goal of the program is for new graduates to emerge with feelings of self-efficacy and empowerment. The authors present an overview of the program, which emphasizes self-care, analytical thinking, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills.