Nurse Residency Programs in Canada: A National Needs Assessment

Abstract

Purpose: Newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) often face significant challenges when transitioning into professional practice, including the need to bridge the gap between academic preparation and clinical expectations, manage high workloads, and further develop their practice. Organizational support is crucial for their growth, and nurse residency programs have shown promise in addressing these challenges. This project aimed to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of hospitals across Canada to examine current practices supporting NGRN transitions and to assess employer interest in adopting a national standardized new graduate nurse residency program. Additionally, the assessment sought to identify barriers that may hinder the successful implementation of such a program.

Method: This study used a mixed-methods needs assessment design to investigate the transition to practice and the use of nurse residency programs. We developed a survey, consisting of 11 questions adapted from previous research, to collect insights on current transition practices, challenges, barriers, and motivations for participating in a national residency program. The survey was initially distributed through HealthCareCAN, with additional outreach efforts aimed at nursing leaders responsible for NGRNs’ education and practice to ensure broader participation.

Results: The survey received responses from 33 participants, representing hospitals in Atlantic and Northern Canada. The findings highlighted significant gaps in the current orientation and support systems for NGRNs. Respondents expressed a clear need for improvements in existing transition-to-practice programs and demonstrated a strong willingness to adopt changes, particularly through a national standardized nurse residency program. Most participants recognized the potential benefits of such a program, noting that it could address current challenges.

Conclusion: The study identified significant gaps in current orientation support for NGRNs, highlighting the need for an enhanced approach to easing their transition into practice. Most participants showed strong interest in the development of a national standardized new graduate nurse residency program, recognizing its potential to improve their professional integration. Key challenges included a shortage of experienced nurses to serve as preceptors and mentors, inconsistent onboarding practices across health care settings, and limited resources for comprehensive education. To effectively address these issues, it is recommended to develop inclusive and supportive programs that meet the needs of both NGRNs and nurse leaders. Additionally, conducting further comprehensive and diverse needs assessments using mixed-methods research approaches would provide valuable insights for improving these initiatives.