The evaluation of an early graduate educational intervention

Literature points to a gap which exists in the preparedness of new nursing/midwifery graduates for clinical practice. In Ireland, a two year programme was established in 2013 for all new graduates employed by the public health system. This paper provides a report on the evaluation of the programme which aimed to gauge the impact of the programme on student experience, stakeholder opinion and on health service delivery. A mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, was utilised. Students who undertook the programme, along with non-student stakeholders, were invited to participate. The quantitative element involved an online evaluation survey which was administered to all students participating in the programme, while the qualitative element involved interviews with the participants. Students believed the programme to be relevant to their practice and positively evaluated the use of blended learning, the support of tutors and the contribution to their professional development. Non-student stakeholders also positively evaluated the programme, but the direct impact on clinical practice was not particularly evident. The evaluation offers a positive view of this initiative and broadly supports the concept of early graduate education programmes. A number of recommendations are offered for the development of future programmes.