New Nurse Well-Being: Implications for Retention, Job Satisfaction, and Patient Safety

To examine the well-being of new nurses (NNS) and its effect on job satisfaction, turnover intent, and patient safety.

NNs face significant challenges during their transition to clinical practice, which can impact their mental health, job satisfaction, retention, and patient safety. Understanding well-being during this critical period can guide leaders in building workforce strategies.

A national survey of NNs measured well-being, job satisfaction, turnover intent, and patient safety practices.

More than half (54.4%) of NNs screened at elevated risk for distress. Poorer well-being was linked to lower job satisfaction (odds ratio=0.41), increased turnover intent (odds ratio=1.29), and higher negative safety practices.

Well-being is a leading indicator of workforce and safety outcomes. Findings provide leaders with actionable benchmarks to integrate well-being into retention and safety strategies.