Factors influencing retention of new nursing graduates in hospital and professional practice

Abstract

Purpose. The purposes of this research were to (1) investigate sources of new graduates' information about their first jobs as professional nurses in order to predict the accuracy of their expectations for the job, and (2) to investigate the association of early job experiences with adjustment to hospital and professional practice. Procedure. A sample of diploma, associate degree and baccalaureate degree graduates were surveyed prior to beginning work, and at 3 months and 6 months following entry into the work force. Data analyses included (1) multiple regression analyses, (2) canonical correlation analysis, and (3) content analyses. Results. Knowledge of sources of information about the job, as measured in this research, failed to predict the accuracy of new graduates' expectations for the job. However, a variety of positive work experiences were observed to be associated with multiple positive adjustment responses on the job and to nursing practice. Conclusions. Inaccurate expectations for the job were associated with negative adjustment to the job, the organization, and to the nursing profession while accurate expectations are associated with positive responses. Other factors associated with positive responses to the job, the organization, and to nursing include smaller work groups, the presence of a friendship network in the job, provision of role information, and the presence of supportive relationships. Work rewards such as pay, the opportunity to learn and gain experience, satisfaction with the job and work are also associated with positive adjustment to the job and to nursing....