Document Type

Final Project

Graduation Date

Fall 12-17-2021

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

First Advisor

Beth Culross

Abstract

Background: New graduate nurses (NGNs) are expected to enter the acute care setting ready to provide safe and quality care in a fast-paced environment filled with high acuity patients, shortened lengths of stay, and difficult nurse to patient ratios (Clark & Springer, 2012). Employers, nursing students, and consumers are setting high expectations all nursing graduates will possess specific skills, knowledge, and competencies upon entry into practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2020).

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the impact of NA program completion and employment on the NGN during the first year of nursing practice. The specific aims were: 1. To determine the impact of NA employment on nursing competence 2. To determine if nursing assistant work influences intent to stay during the first year. These aims were used to respond to the question, In NGNs, does prior NA employment effect nursing competence and intent to stay during the first year of nursing practice?

Design: A quantitative survey design was used to assess the specific aims of the study: 1. Determining the impact of NA employment on NGN competence and 2. To determine if nursing assistant work influences intent to stay during the first year

Methods: Twenty five NGNs participated in the survey between June 2021 and July 2021.

Conclusion: The low survey response rate impeded this study, but there were still findings that are useful for hospitals and nursing colleges The high scores on the Nurses Retention Index should encourage hospitals and colleges to work together to build partnerships that recruit nursing students to train and work as NAs during nursing school

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