New Graduate Nurse Work-Life Assessment for Job Selection: Observational Study to Validate the Nursing Environment...

The study developed and validated the Nursing Environment Fit Index (NEFI) to guide new graduate nurse (NGN) work and lifestyle preference assessment.

The MEASURE approach guided instrument development and pilot testing. End users provided qualitative face validity assessment, and content validity was evaluated through a content validity index. Once initial validity was established, the NEFI was pilot tested.

Four NGNs provided face validity. Five experts provided content validity assessment. Twelve criteria were maintained (0.733 Scale-level Content Validity Index/Average), nine criteria met Item-level Content Validity Index threshold (0.80), and one criterion from each category did not meet thresholds and was modified but retained. Ninety-two participants pilot tested the NEFI. Almost 100% agreed questions were relevant, and 84% agreed the NEFI helped them decide what clinical area to apply for. Twenty-nine participants completed a 6-month questionnaire. Sixty-five percent indicated they applied following NEFI recommendations. Seventy-three percent agreed taking the NEFI when seeking a job would be beneficial.

Initial testing showed reliability and validity of the NEFI. The NEFI appears to have success informing NGN decisions within the pediatric setting.