Beyond Orientation: The Nurse Leader's Role in Closing the Practice Gap and Leading the Transition of the Next Generation Nurses Into Practice.

Recruiting and retaining nurses is vital to any health care organization. Many newly graduated nurses leave their organization in the first year. Nurse leaders are an instrumental part of the newly graduated nurse's journey into practice. To address the unique needs of a multigenerational workforce, nurse leaders need to understand the nuances of each generation in the work environment. Nurse leaders need to facilitate a supportive work environment considering the need for work-life balance, well-being, and professional growth opportunities. They must partner with nursing professional development to clearly outline a path for professional development for themselves and the nurses they employ. Nurse leaders also should partner with human resources to provide such support, recruit and retain newly graduated nurses while considering the needs and views of a multigenerational workforce.