A Pathway for Success: Recruitment and Retention of Student Externs in a Nurse Residency Program

Background: The transition from student to RN is challenging, contributing to high turnover of new graduate nurses (NGNs). Student externships and nurse residency programs (NRPs) bridge academic-practice gaps, contributing to improved NGN retention. This study assesses the impact of student externship participation on NGN outcomes within an NRP. Method: The single-hospital study compares NGNs in an NRP who had completed a student externship during nursing school (Student-Extern NGNs) with those who had not (Traditional-Pathway NGNs). Validated surveys were used to collect work experience data, and comparisons were drawn between groups. Results: Student-Extern NGNs reported higher mean scores for satisfaction, work effectiveness, organizational commitment, and group cohesion. They also showed a greater increase in self-efficacy and a lower actual turnover rate (10%) compared with Traditional-Pathway NGNs (22%). Conclusion: Student externship participation positively influences NGNs' perceptions of their roles and work environment, enhancing satisfaction, commitment, self-efficacy, and ultimately, retention within an NRP.