Supporting New Graduate Nurses: Residency, Mindfulness, and Simulation

The purpose of this research proposal is to examine the effectiveness of support systems in helping new graduate nurses bridge the potential gap between nursing education and clinical practice. It aims to address the inconsistencies in nursing education and clinical practice, and how these strategies can better support new graduate nurses. This study will focus on new graduate nurses within their first 2 years of practice in an inpatient setting. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design approach will be used by combining quantitative questionnaires with qualitative interviews at the same time. This will evaluate the effectiveness of nurse residency programs, mindfulness-based courses, and simulation-based training during new graduate nurses’ transition period to clinical practice. If the findings are positive or indicate that these support systems significantly improve new graduate nurses’ confidence, competence, and retention, and their transition period as a whole, it will provide evidence for the value of ongoing support systems in an inpatient setting.The information gained from this research will inform educators, preceptors, hospital managements, and clinical leaders about effective strategies to support the the transition from nursing students to practicing nurses. It will provide important information to improve existing programs, ultimately contributing to a better workplace and increasing patient care.