Evaluating the Health of the Work Environment and the Perception of New Nurses During the Transition to Practice in Critical Care

Abstract

Background New nurses are the major source of hiring for most hospitals. They fill vacancies left by seasoned nurses creating an experience-complexity gap. Turnover among new-graduate nurses is as high as 85% in the first 2 years. Objectives The purpose of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to turnover. The specific aims were (1) to better understand novice nurses' perceptions of their transition to critical-care practice and (2) to describe all eligible critical-care nurses' perceptions of a healthy work environment. Methods A quantitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected over 3 weeks in February 2022 from novice nurses (n = 12) who completed the Casey-Fink Nurse Experience Survey and from novice and experienced nurses (n = 47) who completed the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses' Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Respondents to the Casey-Fink Nurse Experience Survey (n = 12) indicated feeling well supported by family, friends, and preceptors, although they felt less positive about prioritizing care, organizing patient needs, and recommending changes to the plan of care. The overall mean score on the Health Work Environment Assessment Tool was 2.99 (n = 47), indicating the need for improvement. Responses varied by unit, years of experience, and certification status. Conclusion This study contributes to the evolving body of nursing knowledge and has provided a more detailed understanding of the health of the work environment and perceptions of new nurses during the transition to practice.