Building Resilience in New Graduate RNs: Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Oncology Nursing
• Resilience Training

Background:

• Transitioning into oncology practice presents significant challenges for new graduate registered nurses (RNs).
• High patient acuity, rapid learning curves, and psychosocial stressors contribute to an overwhelming experience.
• Frequent patient deaths are a notable challenge in oncology settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement resilience training for new graduate oncology nurses within an established nurse residency program.
• To enhance resilience among oncology nurses, a critical objective during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing.
• To support the professional development and well-being of early-career oncology nurses.

Main Methods:

• A resilience training program incorporating didactic sessions, personalized goal setting, and one-on-one mentoring.
• A follow-up support group was integrated into the program.
• Standardized measurement scales assessed resilience, professional quality of life, and new graduate experience at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• A significant decline in resilience was observed from baseline to the six-month mark.
• Professional quality of life and new graduate experience measures also showed a worsening trend at six months.
• Improvements in organizational skills and communication were noted at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that resilience and professional quality of life may initially decline in new oncology nurses despite training.
• Extended support and training beyond the typical one-year residency period may be beneficial.
• Further investigation into long-term support strategies for new oncology nurses is warranted.