Collaborative academic-practice transition program for new graduate RNs in community settings: lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Community Health

Background:

• New registered nurse (RN) graduates often face challenges securing employment.
• Limited transition programs exist, particularly in non-traditional settings.
• Academic and practice settings need stronger collaboration to support new nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of transition programs for unemployed RN graduates.
• To assess the impact of a community-based transition program on employment outcomes.
• To identify key lessons for transforming nursing culture and career models for new graduates.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of four 12- to 16-week transition programs.
• Targeted a cohort of 345 unemployed RN graduates in California.
• Focused one program on community-based settings (clinics, schools) for 40 participants.

Main Results:

• All 40 participants in the community-based program secured RN positions.
• Program goals included increasing confidence, competence, and employability.
• Identified broader lessons regarding nursing culture, regulation, and academic-practice partnerships.

Conclusions:

• Community-based transition programs can significantly improve new graduate employment.
• Transforming nursing culture and career models is crucial for new RNs.
• Strengthening academic-practice partnerships benefits both new graduates and healthcare settings.