The effect of a 10-week field-oriented transition programme for new graduate registered nurses in critical care

Abstract

Background: The turnover rate of new graduate registered nurses in critical care is high as they have trouble adapting to the field. Various transition programmes are being applied, but the effectiveness thereof remains controversial. Aim: This study examined the effects of a 10-week field-oriented training programme for new graduate registered nurses in critical care setting using the Kirkpatrick model. Study Design: This study used a one-group, repeated-measures design. A total of 71 new graduate registered nurses at a tertiary hospital in South Korea completed a 10-week field-oriented transition programme between March 2020 and June 2021. The programme consisted of a two-week ward-based modular orientation grounded in the concept of distributed practice model and eight-week individualized preceptorship. Using the Kirkpatrick model, the measures included the Job Satisfaction Scale, Clinical Knowledge Evaluation, Clinical Competencies, Professionalism Inventory, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and short-term turnover rate, and data were collected four times: pre-education, after each education and at 3-month follow-up. Results: The ward-based modular orientation significantly improved clinical competencies (p