A patient safety focused registered nurse transition to practice program

Abstract

New graduate registered nurses (NGRN’s) have an expectation of clinical support as they make the transition from novice to advanced beginner. In this 2008–2009 study of three rural transition to practice programs we found that clinical support did not eventuate. Consequently, NGRN’s reported feeling underprepared for practice, overwhelmed by responsibility and often abandoned. Against this background, many were concerned that their inexperience had implications for safe patient care. Graduate nurse transition programs need to have the physical and human resources necessary to deliver the clinical support as promised in their prospectus, to ensure patient safety. This grounded theory study identified three essential core elements – leadership support, clinical supervision, and effective interprofessional relationships. Recommendation is made to address these deficits by mandating their inclusion in all transition to professional practice programs.

Keywords:

• graduate nurse
• transition
• transition to practice
• registered nurse
• professional support
• preceptorship
• failure-to-rescue
• patient safety
• scope of practice