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New graduate survey: factors that influence new nurses' selection of first clinical position
Peggy Hewitt1, Sarah A Lackey, Susan Letvak
1Author Affiliations: Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Staff Nurse (Ms Hewitt), Cardiac Unit; and Magnet Program Director and Nursing Newsletter Editor, Cone Health (Ms Lackey); and Associate Professor and Interim Department Head, Adult Health Nursing (Dr Letvak), University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Aim:
The aim was to survey nurses with 2 to 3 years' experience to determine what factors were involved in the choice of their first nursing position and if they were still in that position.
Background:
A false sense that the nursing shortage has ended has occurred with nurses delaying retirement until the economy improves. However, the turnover rate still shows 26% of registered nurses leaving their first hospital position within 2 years.
Methods:
New graduate nurses were surveyed to determine if nursing was what they expected, what led them to their first position, if they were still in their first position, and factors that may have influenced these decisions. The 159 respondents also commented on their intent to stay and gave free-text responses.
Results:
Significant difference was found between the current unit worked with both the unit wanted while in nursing school and the unit wanted upon graduation. Positive and negative narrative comments shed light on factors influencing intent to stay.
Conclusion:
Nurses are concerned with ability to deliver safe care, supportive management, and teamwork.
Implications For Nursing Management:
Recommendations were made for nursing management in creating an environment of continued learning and teamwork to support new graduate nurses.
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