Note to managers working with new nursing grads
Every nurse has memories from their first day on the job as a professional nurse. Some people had wonderful, positive experiences. Others . . . not so much.
What kind of environment are you creating for your new nursing grads? Are you and your team providing the support your new nursing grads require to thrive and flourish in their new practice environment?
If your answer is no (or if you think you could do even better), the good news is you can turn that around. Simple choices you and your team can make can help provide support in making this transition.
Research indicates that there are four elements that new nursing grads need to help them transition in strong ways: stability, consistency, predictability and familiarity.
While the truth is that most days in health care involve anything but, as a nursing manager, your opportunity to support your new nursing grads by introducing those elements wherever possible will help create a more positive transition. Research shows there are three distinct phases over the first year of practice for a new nursing grad. These phases involve doing, being and then knowing.
Consider how you and your team are supporting new people. Simple elements can help make the first few days a little less daunting. Welcome them with a smile and positive encouragement. Show them the fridge where they can put their lunch, make sure they know where the lunch room or break area is. And it's really important to invite new nursing grads to join you on their breaks or lunch hours.
But one really important thing to remember? "Playing the blame game and pointing fingers doesn't work," says Kandis Harris, a researcher who specializes in the transition new grads make. "Often we're so busy competing with each other, we forget to value one another."