Systematic Review of Nurse Residency Programs

Systematic Review of Nurse Residency Programs by Abiola Ajanaku MS, Stevenson University, 2013 BSN, Towson University, 2008 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University February 2018 Abstract The first 2 years of a new graduate nurses career can be stressful and traumatic. Many new graduates leave the profession within their first 2 years of employment. Organizations have sought to implement programs that will promote new graduate job retention. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are programs geared toward fostering and nurturing new graduates once they begin their nursing careers. Residency programs can last anywhere from 3 months to 1year, depending on the nursing specialty. A key component in retaining new graduates is to facilitate a successful transition into nursing practice. This project served as a systematic review regarding the current state of NRPs and best practices to assure a successful implementation. A total of 44 articles met the inclusion criteria identified for the project. Analysis of each article used Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s 7 levels of evidence. Benner’s novice to expert theory served as the theoretical framework for this project. This systematic review revealed variety in the length and type of NRPs. Best practices include the usage of the University Health System Consortium (UHC)/ American Association of Colleges Nursing (AACN) or Vizient model. NRPs may differ in curriculum however each program supports theThe first 2 years of a new graduate nurses career can be stressful and traumatic. Many new graduates leave the profession within their first 2 years of employment. Organizations have sought to implement programs that will promote new graduate job retention. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are programs geared toward fostering and nurturing new graduates once they begin their nursing careers. Residency programs can last anywhere from 3 months to 1year, depending on the nursing specialty. A key component in retaining new graduates is to facilitate a successful transition into nursing practice. This project served as a systematic review regarding the current state of NRPs and best practices to assure a successful implementation. A total of 44 articles met the inclusion criteria identified for the project. Analysis of each article used Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s 7 levels of evidence. Benner’s novice to expert theory served as the theoretical framework for this project. This systematic review revealed variety in the length and type of NRPs. Best practices include the usage of the University Health System Consortium (UHC)/ American Association of Colleges Nursing (AACN) or Vizient model. NRPs may differ in curriculum however each program supports the increase in NG retention and job satisfaction as well as new graduate improved competence and confidence. Assuring that new graduates receive a successful orientation and transition into practice will promote positive social change within the organization, improved new graduate competence, and, ultimately, quality patient outcomes. Systematic Review of Nurse Residency Programs by Abiola Ajanaku MS, Stevenson University, 2013 BSN, Towson University, 2008 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University February 2018 Dedication I would like to dedicate this to the past few years of my life. I have had several challenges good and bad but ultimately they have helped me reach this level of success. I would especially like to dedicate this to baby Newborn who is helping me daily. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my significant other who has supported and encouraged me throughout this entire process. There has not been a day where he has not given me words of wisdom and the drive to make it through my process. My cousins, best friend, little sister and close skate family have been a driving force in helping me reach this point. They have assisted in elevating my mindset and guiding me as I have been working to accomplish my goals. They have also made sure I enjoyed myself regardless of how much work needed to be done. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Deborah Lewis and Dr. Diane Whitehead who have been by my side during this entire journey to assure success. Dr. Whitehead has often given me words of wisdom and assured I was comfortable in the process. She has helped me get past many obstacles without having a major breakdown. You both are the greatest!