Abstract
Decreasing nurse retention rates, particularly of new graduate nurses, is a costly issue for health care organizations across the country. Turnover rates for new nurses average around 20% in the first year following graduation (Kovner, et al., 2014). Low retention rates also create staff burnout, orientation fatigue for preceptors, poor morale, and safety concerns. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to identify best practice strategies and interventions to increase new graduate nurse retention in the acute care setting. Ten articles were selected for this review, including three high-level systematic reviews. Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory was chosen as the conceptual model. The theory is based on a person’s belief in their ability to succeed in a particular situation. The ability for new graduate nurses to achieve self-efficacy affects retention rates. The findings of this literature review further align with and support self-efficacy among new graduate nurses. The literature supports successful orientation of new graduate nurses leads to increased retention rates. Four themes associated with increasing graduate nurse retention rates were extrapolated from the literature, including quality preceptors and mentors, education, leadership opportunities, and nurse residency programs. Organizations that incorporated these strategies and interventions saw an increase in new graduate nurse retention rates as well as cost savings. The themes occupy strategies and interventions that can complement one another and be assumed within a quality nurse residency program. Nurse residency programs are a structured, comprehensive approach to new graduate nurse education aiming for successful transition from the academic setting to the practice setting. Ultimately, it is recommended to implement a nurse residency program that incorporates quality preceptors/mentors and education, that also has a leadership focus to achieve improved new graduate nurse retention rates in the acute care setting.
Date of Completion of Thesis/SIP
Fall 11-18-2021
Document Type
Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Jennifer Timm
Recommended Citation
Fiala, Amy, "New Graduate Nurse Retention Strategies: An Integrative Literature Review" (2021). Nursing Masters Papers. 397.
https://openriver.winona.edu/nursingmasters/397
