Preliminary outcomes of a local residency programme for new graduate registered nurses

kowalski s. & cross c.l. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18 , 96–104
Preliminary outcomes of a local residency programme for new graduate registered nurses
Aim  The present study reports preliminary findings regarding new graduate nurses participating in a year-long local residency programme at two hospitals in Las Vegas, NV.
Background  Nurse resident programmes are purported to increase the level of clinical competency and professional transition in new graduate registered nurses (RNs) and to decrease first-year turnover rates. The effectiveness of this programme was assessed using data of the first two cohorts participating in this new residency programme.
Method  Clinical competencies, anxiety, stress, professional transition and retention were measured on 55 nurse residents who have participated in the nurse residency programme.
Results  The findings indicate improved clinical competency throughout the programme, a decreased sense of threat, and improved communication and leadership skills. The first-year cohort's employment retention rate was 78%, and the second-year cohort is presently 96%.
Conclusions  The results of this study demonstrate the positive impact of a year-round residency programme for new graduate RNs.
Implications for nursing management  The need for a consistent nurse workforce demands that new graduates be transitioned into competent practitioners as soon as possible. Nurse residency programmes can provide this support and decrease replacement costs involved in high turnover.