Processes influencing the development of graduate nurse capabilities in clinical risk management: an Australian study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore and describe key processes influencing the development of graduate nurse capabilities in clinical risk management (CRM).


METHODS
This study was undertaken using an exploratory descriptive case study method. Four sample units of analysis were used, notably: 2 cohorts of graduate nurses (n = 11) undertaking a 12-month graduate nurse transition program; key stakeholders (n = 34), that is, nurse unit managers, clinical teachers, preceptors, a quality manager, a librarian, and senior nurse administrators employed by the participating health service; patient outcome data; and pertinent literature.


RESULTS
Data strongly suggested that graduate nurse capabilities in CRM were most influenced not by their supposed lack of clinical knowledge and skills but by their lack of corporate knowledge. The failure to provide new graduate nurses with pertinent information on CRM at the beginning of their employment and thereafter at pertinent intervals during the graduate nurse year program aslo hindered the development of their capabilities to manage clinical risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Management and educational processes pertinent to informing and involving new graduate nurses in a hospital's local CRM program (including information about the organization's local policies and procedures) need to be implemented systematically at the very beginning of a new graduate's employment and thereafter throughout the remainder of the graduate nurse year.
Johnstone
Megan-Jane
MJ
Division of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University-Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. megan.johnstone@rmit.edu.au
Kanitsaki
Olga
O
D015331:Cohort Studies; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009313:National Health Programs; D011361:Professional Competence; D012308:Risk Management; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria