Apr 20th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Title
Transitioning Rural Graduate Nurses Into Practice
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Cynthia Clark
Information
Purposes/Aims: With no end in sight for the nation’s nursing shortage, hospitals are directing greater attention toward recruitment and retention of graduate nurses. Qualified nurses are needed in health care facilities throughout the country, including rural hospitals. A lack of qualified nurses and geographical disparities in rural health care play a major role in the delivery of quality patient care.
Rationale: Recruitment and retention of qualified nurses in rural areas is essential. This project poses recommendations for a transition model for graduate nurses entering practice in rural Idaho hospitals.
Methods: Following a review of the literature, Chief Nursing Officers (CNO) from four rural Idaho hospitals and two community consultants were interviewed to identify the unique issues related to recruiting, transitioning, and retaining new graduate nurses into rural settings.
Results: The authors present a home grown transition model designed to prepare clinically autonomous and competent graduate nurses into rural settings. A home grown transition model with comprehensive preceptorships and mentorships with seasoned nurses will increase patient safety, quality patient care, and graduate nurse retention. Implications: Recruiting new nurses from the communities where they reside will enhance recruitment and retention and will promote a new direction for clinical practice for graduate nurses in the rural settings. Creating transition programs that mentor new graduates will bring new opportunities for nursing practice in rural settings.
Principle Investigator: Dr. Cynthia Clark
Title: Transitioning Rural Graduate Nurses into Practice
IRB Approval Number: EX 187-09-074
Federal Wide Assurance Number: 0000097
Review: Exempt
Protocol Annual Expiration Date: February 18, 2010