New Graduate Transition Programs: It’s All About Engagement

Background/Objective: Island Health has offered a New Graduate Transition Program (NGTP) since 2005 and refreshed its existing curricular program for the 2022 to 2024 new nurse graduates as the BC healthcare system entered pandemic recovery. Methods: An engaged, action-oriented evaluation strategy, using iterative cycles of Look—Think—Act, was used to inform the program refresh and build relationships with user groups and key interest holders. Results: In 2021, engagement of new graduates in the NGTP ranged from 0.01 to 36%. The refreshed program increased their engagement between 14% and 61%. New graduates leaving Island Health after one year in practice decreased from 7% in 2021 to 4% in 2023. New graduates occupying casual positions decreased from 24% in 2023 to 8% in 2024. Conclusions: This paper underscores the critical importance of intentional relationship building as a foundational element in ensuring new nurse graduates are not only welcomed but successfully integrated into their professional roles with confidence and competence.