The Transformative Power of a Transition RN Fellowship

Abstract

Despite the existence of an established new graduate RN Residency program, nursing managers at an urban freestanding children’s hospital reported ongoing staffing difficulties, due in part to an inability to efficiently and cost-effectively train experienced nurses wishing to make a transition into pediatrics. A growing inpatient census and increase in patient acuity has driven the need for an expanded pool of nursing staff with specialized training in pediatrics. With a large number of new graduate nurses being hired annually, it is necessary for units to explore alternate hiring avenues to balance skill mix. The Transition RN Fellowship was established in 2015 with the goal of supporting managers in recruiting and thoroughly training experienced nurses from other areas of specialty. The program consists of a comprehensive orientation, which includes both core and unit-specific didactic curriculum and skills labs combined with one-on-one precepted time. Mentorship and debriefing are included to assist fellows in their role transition. Standardized competencies ensure that fellows achieve the necessary level of competence prior to the end of the program, thus assuring the provision of safe patient care. Additionally, transition fellows have the support of a cohort dynamic during their transition experience and have the opportunity to participate in small evidence-based practice projects during the fellowship. A total of 86 nurses have completed the fellowship since its inception. Key outcomes are measured using standardized surveys, program component evaluations, and focus groups. Current aggregate retention is 93%, with past fellows reporting 4.31/5 on work satisfaction and 4.1/5 on organizational commitment.