South Korean Nurse Residency Program for New Graduates: A Posttest Study

Abstract

Background:

Turnover rates among newly graduated nurses are high, increasing the workload for other nurses and hampering organizational productivity. This study investigates the effects of a nurse residency program (NRP), examining clinical competence, job satisfaction, organizational socialization, turnover intention, and turnover rates.

Method:

This study was conducted among newly employed graduate nurses in South Korea. Participants (N = 167) included nurses with less than 6 months of experience (NRP group, n = 52; control group, n = 115). The current results were measured 1 year after initiation of the NRP.

Results:

The NRP group showed significantly lower turnover intention and turnover rates and substantially better clinical competence, job satisfaction, and organizational socialization.

Conclusion:

Even when applied in the unique South Korean cultural and medical context, the NRP improved job performance and satisfaction as well as organizational socialization and reduced turnover rates and turnover intention among new nurses. Therefore, a systematized NRP should be actively used when new nurses are onboarded. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx–xx.]