The Ontario new graduate nursing initiative: An exploratory process evaluation

Abstract

Objective: To conduct an exploratory process evaluation of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's (MOHLTC) New Graduate Nursing Initiative implemented by one home care agency. Methods: Qualitative data were gathered online, stored electronically and then analyzed using an Affinity Diagram. Results: Seven groupings of participants' comments were created: advertising and external information dissemination; orientation; internal dissemination; impact of the program; transition to the workforce; pay/benefits; and retention. Participants viewed many aspects of the program favourably but identified the following areas for improvement: comprehensibility of the Health Force Ontario website (advertising and external information); orientation of new graduates (orientation); and communication of information about the initiative to existing staff (internal dissemination). Conclusions: This exploratory study points to both strengths and weaknesses of the New Graduate Nursing Initiative. Further study of the implementation of this policy is recommended.