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

With nursing retention as a primary evaluative aim, corporate-level clinical preceptors (CCPs) were operationalized in the acute care setting. This role combined key elements of preceptorship and mentorship to support novice nurses' transition to practice. CCPs conducted check-ins through regular rounding, e-mails, surveys and open conversations, resulting in significantly reduced turnover rates, particularly within the first year of practice, and enhanced clinical competence and confidence. Further study of centralized preceptor programs is indicated.