Transition From Education to Practice for New Nursing Graduates: A Literature Review

New nurse turnover costs organizations in the United States an estimated $1.4 billion to $2.9 billion per year (Meyer, Shatto, Delicath, & von der Lancken, 2017; Ulrich et al., 2010). Retention of graduate nurses can decrease costs, combat nursing shortages, and improve patient outcomes. Despite the increase in prevalence of nurse residency programs, new nurses are leaving their first positions at alarming rates. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the factors that affect graduate nurse transition to practice. Findings indicate that a supportive environment free from bullying, a positive preceptor experience, and self-confidence were keys to retaining new graduate nurses.