A 1-Year Accredited Nurse Residency Program's Effect on Intent to Leave

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Organizational Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Structured nurse residency programs are vital for new graduate nurse residents' (NGNRs) successful integration into the workforce.
• These programs aim to improve retention rates and foster organizational commitment among newly qualified nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a system-wide program designed to enhance the experience, enculturation, and organizational commitment of new graduate nurse residents.
• To assess the impact of the program on key indicators such as affective commitment, job satisfaction, and job stress.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, comparative study design was employed.
• NGNR perceptions were measured at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months.
• Key variables included affective commitment, job satisfaction, job stress, and intent to leave.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in affective commitment was observed from baseline to 12 and 24 months.
• Nursing stress levels increased over the 24-month period.
• The highest mean intent to leave was reported at the 12-month mark, indicating a critical period of vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Nurse leaders must implement extended support systems for NGNRs, surpassing the conventional 12-month residency.
• Proactive resource allocation beyond the first year is essential to sustain retention and organizational commitment.
• Addressing the factors contributing to increased stress and decreased commitment post-12 months is critical to reduce turnover intention.