Abstract
Background
Challenges in transitioning from a student to a registered nurse may contribute to new nurses high turnover rates. Final clinical practicum (FCP) before graduation is known for its importance in preparing students for the transition but little is known about the specific elements of FCPs essential for successful transition. We examined the associations between multiple FCP elements and transition experiences in new nurses and whether work characteristics modified these associations.
Methods
The data were collected in 2018 with electronic survey. The sample comprised 712 Finnish nurses graduated within the last two years. Linear regression analyses was used to examine the association of five FCP elements (Preparing for demands; Being part of team; Systematicness of FCP; Teacher involvement; Quality of supervision) with the transition experience that was measured with four scales demonstrating its emotional, physical, socio-developmental and intellectual domains. Work characteristics were defined based on demand-control -model and multiple potential confounders were considered.
Results
Several associations were found between the FCP elements and the four transition indicators (psychological distress, sleep problems, role conflict/ambiguity and perception of transition/educational preparation). Systematicness of FCP was, however, the only element associated with all the transition indicators, whereas quality of supervision was not associated with any. Multiple interactions were also detected between the FCP elements and job demands.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that FCP experiences reflect to new nurses’ first years of employment. Especially systematic planning and implementation of FCP, collegial work atmosphere and an opportunity for students to become an active member of the work community should be ensured for promoting a smoother transition from student to nurse. This could increase the chances to retain new nurses in the health care workforce.
Key messages
Well planned and implemented final clinical practicums with an opportunity to become an active member of professional team could help nursing students to obtain a smoother transition into nurses. The benefits of having a good final clinical practicum experience may be squandered if considerably high level of job demands (e.g. timepressure) is experienced in the first years of employment.
Final clinical practicum shapes the transition experience and occupational commitment of newly graduated nurses in Europe—A longitudinal study
