Preparing new nurse graduates for practice in multiple settings: a community-based academic-practice partnership...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Development
• Healthcare Education
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• Addressing concerns about registered nurse (RN) shortages and unemployment among new graduates.
• Identifying a need for structured support for RNs transitioning into practice.
• Recognizing the challenge of securing initial nursing positions in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of community-based transition-to-practice programs for unemployed RN graduates.
• To improve the retention of new RNs in the nursing profession.
• To enhance the employability and competencies of novice nurses.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare providers (inpatient, ambulatory, community), and community partners.
• Implementation of four pilot transition programs lasting 12-16 weeks between 2010-2011.
• Enrollment of 345 unemployed new RN graduates in the pilot programs.

Main Results:

• 84% of surveyed respondents (188 participants) secured employment in inpatient or community settings within 3 months post-program.
• Significant increases in participant confidence and competence reported.
• Positive feedback from clinical preceptors regarding participant skill development.

Conclusions:

• Community-based transition-to-practice programs are effective in improving employment outcomes for new RN graduates.
• These programs enhance nurse confidence and competence, aiding workforce integration.
• Such initiatives are crucial for retaining talent in the nursing profession and addressing workforce needs.