Development of a conceptual framework for a Person-centred Nurse Residency Programme

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Workforce Transition

Background:

• Newly Qualified Professional Nurses (NQPNs) face significant challenges transitioning from student to registered nurse roles.
• Effective support systems, such as nurse residency programmes, are crucial for successful integration and retention.
• Existing programmes may lack a structured, person-centred approach tailored to NQPNs' specific needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for a Person-centred Nurse Residency Programme (PNRP) tailored to the needs of NQPNs.
• To identify key domains and underpinning educational theories for effective NQPN support.
• To provide a validated framework for designing and implementing supportive nurse residency programmes.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative interpretive descriptive study conducted in three phases.
• Phase 1: Assessed support needs of NQPNs and senior nurses using multiple data collection methods.
• Phase 2: Data analysis and consensus workshop. Phase 3: Development and expert validation of the conceptual framework.

Main Results:

• A conceptual framework for a PNRP was developed, comprising four interrelated domains: learning outcomes, learning processes, learning environment, and facilitator prerequisites.
• The framework is underpinned by constructivism and person-centred educational theories.
• The framework was validated by six nurse education experts, confirming its relevance and comprehensiveness.

Conclusions:

• The developed PNRP framework offers a structured, person-centred approach to support NQPNs during their critical transition period.
• Recognizing the interrelationship of the four domains is essential for achieving effective person-centred support.
• This framework can guide the design and implementation of nurse residency programmes to enhance NQPN confidence, competence, and retention.