Role Conception in New Graduate Nurses: A Secondary Analysis

Abstract

Background: The new graduate transition to practice process affects retention, competency development, healthcare costs, quality, and assimilation into the profession. During the transition, new graduate nurses compare the way they have conceptualized nursing to what they actually experience in practice. If the observed reality is not congruent with their ideal perception, role conflict and a compromised socialization may occur. Residency programs have been instituted at some healthcare facilities to promote a positive organizational socialization process. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine the differences in role conception of new graduates. The relationship of role conception and various anticipatory socialization variables such as age, gender, type of education and previous healthcare experience are examined. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of an existing national database of new graduate nurses who completed a residency program during the years 2011-2013. Results: New graduate nurses were found to have high role conception in professional, competence and service scenarios. There was no relationship between role conception and age, gender, educational level or previous healthcare experience. Role conception did not significantly impact job satisfaction. Conclusion: Adequate role socialization will aid in the new graduate nurse's assimilation into the role of the professional nurse. Continued study on role conception in new graduate nurses is warranted.