Systematic Review of Nurse Residency Programs

• Main Author: Ajanaku, Abiola Olatokunbo
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: ScholarWorks 2018
• Subjects: Nursing
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4771; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6050&context=dissertations

The first 2 years of a new graduate nurses career can be stressful and traumatic. Many new graduates leave the profession within their first 2 years of employment. Organizations have sought to implement programs that will promote new graduate job retention. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are programs geared toward fostering and nurturing new graduates once they begin their nursing careers. Residency programs can last anywhere from 3 months to 1year, depending on the nursing specialty. A key component in retaining new graduates is to facilitate a successful transition into nursing practice. This project served as a systematic review regarding the current state of NRPs and best practices to assure a successful implementation. A total of 44 articles met the inclusion criteria identified for the project. Analysis of each article used Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt's 7 levels of evidence. Benner's novice to expert theory served as the theoretical framework for this project. This systematic review revealed variety in the length and type of NRPs. Best practices include the usage of the University Health System Consortium (UHC)/ American Association of Colleges Nursing (AACN) or Vizient model. NRPs may differ in curriculum however each program supports the increase in NG retention and job satisfaction as well as new graduate improved competence and confidence. Assuring that new graduates receive a successful orientation and transition into practice will promote positive social change within the organization, improved new graduate competence, and, ultimately, quality patient outcomes.