A Kirkpatrick Model Evaluation of the Development and Assessment of an Integrated, Adaptation Support Program for New Nurses Led by Clinical Nurse Educators: Using a Single, Group Repeated-Measures Design.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an integrated adaptation support program (IASP) for new nurses using Kirkpatrick's model. The program addresses psychological discomfort and field adaptation challenges faced during the transition from student to professional nurse. This study employed a single-group repeated-measures design, assessing new nurses over a 12-month period. The program included regular mentoring, stress management training, and clinical performance evaluations. Data were collected at multiple intervals to measure psychological discomfort, clinical knowledge, self-efficacy, performance, and intention to stay. The IASP significantly reduced psychological discomfort and enhanced clinical knowledge. However, self-efficacy showed limited improvement, and while clinical performance increased, field adaptation decreased over time, likely due to workload, organizational challenges, and reduced social support. Job performance improved, but organizational commitment decreased. Education and training performance, along with the intention to stay, declined over the study period. The IASP effectively improved psychological and clinical competencies but revealed the complexities of new nurses' field adaptation and organizational commitment. Sustained, multifaceted support is crucial for long-term retention, and further multicenter studies with qualitative research are recommended to validate these results.