Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Joy Shoemaker

First Committee Member

Dr. Kirk Hummer, DNP, MBA, Team Leader

Second Committee Member

Dr. John Chovan, PhD, DNP, Team Member

Third Committee Member

Dr. Joy Shoemaker, DNP, Team Member

Keywords

transition to practice, newly graduated nurse, orientation, novice to expert, nursing education, skill, simulation

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing Administration

Abstract

Healthcare in the acute hospital setting experienced a significant increase in highly acute patients with multiple comorbidities requiring competent, experienced clinicians who can provide high quality, safe care. The nursing shortage paired with the post pandemic hospital environment has altered the landscape of nurses entering the workforce and created a gap in competency of the bedside nurse. A loss of tenured nurses who typically onboard and mentor the novice nurse coupled with less than adequate clinical preparation of those graduating college led to elevated levels of stress and staggering turnover rates for the newly graduated nurse. Research validates efficient orientation with a focus on novice to expert skill development improves the confidence of the new nurse and builds proficiency in safe clinical practice. Although theoretical evidence creates models of orientation standards there is not a defined structure to obtain success. The project goal is to collate evidence-based research to determine an orientation model leading to successful transition to practice for the newly graduated nurse. With the use of a pre-designed Carey-Fink survey the team will compare the results of subjects who recently completed traditional orientation but are within the first year of independent practice to those participating in the redesigned model. Preceptor training will assure continuity in delivery of the program design as well as enhance the understanding of onboarding using a simulation class structure. Project outcomes will identify specific direction and design to current orientation programs and result in a model of effective transitions to practice.

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

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