Competency-Based Transitional Support Program for Newly Graduated Nurses: A Program Development Study

Heui-Kyeong Kwon

doi:10.1097/jnr.0000000000000697

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Competency-Based Transitional Support Program for Newly Graduated Nurses: A Program Development Study

2025-10-01

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DOI：10.1097/jnr.0000000000000697

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Abstract

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Background: Many newly graduated nurses struggle to transition into professional practice due to insufficient training. Nurse residency programs have been implemented in some countries to facilitate smoother role transitions for these nurses. An effective and standardized program must be developed to facilitate the use of support programs by new nurses. Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a 1-year competency-based nurse residency program, assess educational needs, and evaluate its effectiveness when applied to newly graduated nurses transitioning into the workforce. Methods: A competency-based nurse residency program was developed based on the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the instructional model. Program outcomes were assessed in accordance with the four-level Kirkpatrick model using standardized posttraining questionnaires, observational surveys, and a review of institutional data. All of the study data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The developed 1-year competency-based nurse residency program covered four modules: introductory education, clinical preceptorship, core competency-building education, and mentoring. The outcomes revealed a high satisfaction with introductory education (4.67-4.90 out of 5) among the participants and a significant increase in participant knowledge, skills, and performance. Also, the nurse turnover rate decreased to <10% within 6 months after completing the program. and nursing errors decreased by 1.46 per 100 working days. Conclusions: A significant percentage of newly graduated nurses leave their jobs during the first several years of work because of difficulties experienced in transitioning into practice. A competency-based nurse residency program that includes emotional support and core competency strength programs was shown in this study to help newly graduated nurses transition smoothly into practice.

Keywords:

new graduate nurse

transition

competency

residency program

mentoring