Impact of the Pandemic on Newly Licensed Nurses’ Role Transition Experiences

This study examined differences in newly licensed nurses’ role transition experiences while enrolled in a nurse residency program before and during the pandemic. The Casey–Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey measured baseline, 6-month, and 12-month program outcomes. The prepandemic cohort had higher subscale scores at baseline. Both cohort groups showed significant increases in role confidence, patient safety, communication/leadership, and job satisfaction. Despite the pandemic, nurse residency program completion rates remained stable. Implications for nursing professional development practitioners are presented.