From Transition Shock to Competent Practice: Developing Preceptors to Support New Nurse Transition

BACKGROUND: It is well known that new graduate nurses (NGRNs) are likely to have a difficult transition from nursing school into professional practice and often experience a phenomenon known as transition shock. Evidence suggests using preceptors as an effective method supporting the NGRNs through this difficult transition. METHOD: This project evaluated the effectiveness of a structured preceptor development program by measuring perceptions of transition to practice and first-year retention of two groups of former graduate nurses-the first comprising preceptors trained through a preceptor development program, and the second comprising preceptors who did not participate in structured training. RESULTS: Graduate nurses who had well-trained preceptors had higher, more positive perceptions about their ability to render safe and optimal care, as well as higher first-year retention. CONCLUSION: A structured preceptor-training program may contribute to an improved transition to practice and improved first-year retention rates of NGRNs.