The relationship between work readiness and perceived clinical competence among graduates transitioning into professional practice

Abstract

Background: Nursing Residency Programs (NRPs) reportedly help close the disparities in job-related knowledge, expertise, and attitudes that affect new nurses, healthcare organizations, and care quality by offering instructions and resources for new graduate nurses. Aim: This study aims to explore the relationship between work readiness and perceived clinical competence among graduates attending the NRP as compared to nurse interns at one university hospital. Methods: This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design, recruiting 203 graduate nurses through a purposive sampling technique via electronic invitations. Results: The results of this study showed that graduates attending the NRP had higher scores at all levels of work readiness and clinical competence, with work readiness being found as a predictor of clinical competence. Conclusions: Healthcare organizations are responsible for exploring the transition to practice programs and their effectiveness in enhancing work readiness to increase the quality of care offered to patients and to prepare skillful new graduates for professional and safe practice.

Keywords

• New graduate Nurse
• Nurse Residency Program
• Transition
• Work Readiness
• Clinical Competence