Retaining Novice Nurses: Evaluating a Novel Role to Facilitate Safe and Supportive Transition to Practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Nursing retention is a critical issue in acute care settings.
• Novice nurses face challenges during their transition to practice.
• Existing support models may not fully address retention needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of corporate-level clinical preceptors (CCPs) on nursing retention.
• To assess the effectiveness of CCPs in supporting novice nurses' transition.
• To determine if CCPs enhance clinical competence and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of CCPs in an acute care setting.
• CCPs combined preceptorship and mentorship roles.
• Regular check-ins via rounding, email, surveys, and open communication.

Main Results:

• Significantly reduced turnover rates, particularly within the first year of practice.
• Enhanced clinical competence and confidence among novice nurses.
• Positive impact of CCPs on the transition to practice.

Conclusions:

• Corporate-level clinical preceptor programs are effective in improving nursing retention.
• CCPs positively influence novice nurses' competence and confidence.
• Further investigation into centralized preceptor programs is warranted.