COIVD-19 disrupted the healthcare industry. The influx of care demand brought innovation to the nursing practice through the interactions nurses have with patients and how hospitals care for their nurses. During and after the pandemic, many nurses found themselves experiencing burnout and high numbers of first year nurses were exiting the profession altogether. Healthcare systems found difficulty in attracting and retaining quality staff highlighting the need for a resilient workforce equipped to deliver quality care while maintaining nurse well-being. But how can hospitals meet the needs of new nurses?

The first year of a newly graduated nurses’ career is integral in developing their practice and for their future contribution to the nursing workforce. As nurses transition into their practice, they often struggle feeling confident in their ability to practice autonomously, interact with patients, and integrate with their coworkers affecting their ability to deliver a high quality of care. Transition-to-practice programs support nurses throughout their first year and have been found to increase retention of nurses, boost confidence in practice, and help to improve healthcare quality. Nurse transition-to-practice programs support quality care for patients, refinement of clinical nursing skills, development of leadership skills, and help hospitals develop a sustainable pipeline of workers.

1) Clinical Skill Refinement

Although new nurses have completed their education, many struggle with confidence in their ability to care for patients and question their knowledge. The first step in successful transition-to-practice is refining clinical skills through evaluating knowledge base, focused learning, and skill validation. Affirming clinical skills ensures nurses are caring for patients with good technique while aligning with facility best practices. As nurses refine their clinical skills they build their critical thinking and problem solving in clinical practice boosting confidence in their autonomous practice. Gradually caring for patients, under the guidance of seasoned nurses, helps to further build confidence in autonomous practice.

2) Workplace Enculturation 

Transitioning into the workplace also requires nurses to adjust to a new social environment. Early in their career, individuals face difficulty feeling supported by coworkers, asking for help, and communicating, which is needed in providing quality healthcare. Found in a study on the first year nurse experience by the National Library of Medicine, interpersonal relationships are vital in cultivating healthy workplaces. Young nurses strive to be accepted by their coworkers before they feel they can be accepted by patients. Cultivating a positive environment allows RNs to feel comfortable asking questions and communicating throughout a team of healthcare professionals. Striving towards a positive workplace supports a collaborative environment through team-building that allows members' strengths to shine.

3) Development of Leadership Skills

As incoming nurses grow confident in their clinical practice and integrate into their work environment, they are prepared to advance their soft skills. Creating dynamic nurses with a diverse skill set prepares them to be effective care providers as soft skills are increasingly important in healthcare providers. Development of soft skills fosters patient empathy, well-being, and quality healthcare in incoming nurses. As noted by the National Library of Medicine, communication is an essential element in nurturing quality care on nursing teams. Leadership development boosts decision-making and communication skills preparing RNs to be effective nurse leaders.

Recruitment and retention of qualified talent is essential in providing a high quality of care to patients. First year nurses are integral in building a sustainable pipeline of workers in healthcare systems, however, many struggle with transitioning into their new role. Lack of confidence, difficulty adjusting to new social dynamics in the workplace, and trouble interacting with patients are all pain points of young nurses. Transition to practice programs foster resilience in first year nurses through refining their clinical skill set, nurturing their workplace enculturation, and leadership skill development adaptable to the fast paced hospital environment. Supporting nurses throughout their first year, builds their confidence allowing them to bring a caring heart to their practice.