907 - Status of New Graduate Nurses: Pre-Pandemic and Current Times

The COVID-19 pandemic has exponentially increased the pressure on traditional workforce development approaches. Transition to practice (TTP) frameworks must play a greater role in workforce development strategies. Results of a new graduate TTP program pre-pandemic (2018/2019) and those who have entered the profession during COVID-19 (2020/2021) will be discussed.

Background: Staffing shortages are a top challenge facing nurse leaders today. Recruiting and retaining new graduate nurses (NGNs) must be part of a leadership workforce strategy to address staffing demands. A well-structured transition to practice (TTP) program increases competence and self-confidence of NGNs, decreasing turnover intent and actual turnover.

Problem: Due to the pandemic, some NGNs did not complete clinical rotations, or they were completed via simulation. Additionally, some programs or components were halted or implemented virtually. Therefore, it is important to determine if the pandemic impacted TTP program outcomes so adjustments and interventions can be made to further support and retain NGNs.

Methods: A secondary data analysis of NGN TTP programmatic outcomes data from 2018-2021 was completed. Outcomes were analyzed to determine differences between NGNs scores pre-pandemic (2018/2019) and during the pandemic (2020/2021).

Results: Approximately 8,300 NGNs were included in the analysis.

100% of assigned clinical competencies were validated sooner in 2020/2021 compared to 2018/2019. Critical care, perinatal, and emergency care all required additional education prior to validation in 2020/2021. Perceptions of work conditions remained stable. Satisfaction with nursing colleagues went up in 2020/2021. Overall, organizational commitment remains high and turnover intent and actual turnover are lower than national trends. The number one reason why NGNs stay in their position is they feel they make a difference in the provision of safe and high-quality care.

Implications: TTP programs are a strategic imperative to increase future nurse workforce capacity. Healthcare leaders must ensure NGNs receive the support and structure critical to their success. Understanding effective TTP structures and processes and how the pandemic impacted NGN TTP program and work environment outcomes is key in developing tactics to address future clinical and professional development, ensure success, and improve retention