Evolution of a Newly Licensed RN Transition-to-Practice Program: Theory and Development Supporting Accreditation

Nursing leaders have embraced newly licensed registered nurse (NLRN) transition-to-practice programs, which contribute to nursing confidence, competence, work satisfaction, and retention in a complex healthcare environment. We report on the evolution of a Midwest urban pediatric medical center's transition-to-practice program, guided for 2 decades by foundational and emerging theory, research, and evidence that has supported accreditation with distinction as a Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission in Accreditation. Nursing leaders should use emerging evidence to inform curricular revisions that accelerate NLRN role transition and practice integration, increase organizational commitment, improve patient safety and satisfaction, and achieve PTAP accreditation.