Predictors of new graduate nurses' satisfaction with their transitional support programme

Abstract

Aim: To examine the influence of new graduate nurses' (NGNs) personal and situational factors on their satisfaction with the practice environment.

Background: Transitional support programmes are widely used to provide professional support for NGNs' transitioning-to-practice. However, little is known about whether personal characteristics and situational factors influence NGNs' satisfaction with the practice environment.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. NGNs were surveyed approximately 8 weeks after commencement of the support programme. In addition to socio-demographic and situational data, two validated, standardised instruments were administered: the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS-26) and the Practice Environment Scale Australia (PES-AUS).

Results: A total of 109 NGNs completed the survey. Three independent and significant predictors of NGNs' satisfaction were: (1) unit satisfaction (standardised beta, β = 0.41); (2) satisfaction with the clinical supervision (β = 0.31); and (3) assigned unit: critical-care areas (β = -0.17), explaining 32.5% of the variance. Conclusion This study demonstrates the importance of clinical supervision and unit level support on satisfaction, and the need for additional support for NGNs assigned to critical-care areas.

Implications for nursing management: The findings of this study suggest there are modifiable situational factors that influence NGNs' satisfaction with the practice environment, and allocating NGNs to critical-care areas on their first rotation should be avoided.

Keywords: clinical supervision; new graduate nurse; nurse practice environment; professional support; transition.