Evaluation of Retention and Satisfaction Among New Graduate Nurses Participating in a Nurse Residency Program

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Heather Thompson Mackey (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Angela Kabbe

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States (US) that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to worsen over the next ten years as a result of fewer numbers of practicing nurses, students, faculty, and clinical preceptors/sites as well as decreased funding for educational programs. The full impact of the pandemic is not yet known, but is anticipated to make a significant negative impact on the nursing workforce. Efforts to improve nurse retention and satisfaction are essential for health care organizations to decrease vacancies, turnover, and costs, as well as to improve patient safety. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to evaluate retention and satisfaction among new graduate RNs participating in a nurse residency program (NRP). METHODS: Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey (revised) results from NRP participants in the Summer 2020-2021 cohort were analyzed at 1, 4, and 11 month intervals to examine their levels of job-related comfort/confidence and job satisfaction. Retention rates were compared to the previous year’s cohort. RESULTS: Respondents reported high levels of overall job-related comfort/confidence upon entry into the NRP; levels decreased as they began practice and surpassed entry levels by completion of the one-year program. Throughout the program, they showed the greatest levels of comfort/confidence in factors related to professional satisfaction and communication/leadership, with the least seen in their organization/prioritization abilities. Retention at the conclusion of the program was lower for this group as compared to previous years. CONCLUSION: Respondents report high levels of overall job-related comfort/confidence and satisfaction upon completion of the NRP, however areas for growth, such as in organization and prioritization, were found to be potential areas for NRP refinement. Retention rate was demonstrated to be lower when compared to previous cohort and NRP goals. Additional study looking at elements contributing to these findings, including the effects of COVID-19, may provide greater insight for future improvements.

Evaluation of Retention and Satisfaction Among New Graduate Nurses Participating in a Nurse Residency Program
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Created on 2/8/2023
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Additional Information

Publication

Dissertation

Language: English

Date: 2022

Keywords

Nurse residency programs, new graduate nurse, comfort, confidence, satisfaction, retention

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