Improving retention, confidence, and competence of new graduate nurses: results from a 10-year longitudinal database.

Abstract

Developing competent and confident new graduate nurses who remain with their hospitals is a major challenge. A structured evidence-based RN residency was developed and implemented in hospitals across the United States. Outcomes data were collected from over 6000 new graduate nurses who completed the RN residency over a 10-year period. The results indicate an accelerated increase in competence and self-confidence and a significant decrease in turnover intent and actual turnover. This study provides persuasive evidence that both new graduate nurses and their organizations benefit from the implementation of a structured, clinical immersion RN residency.