title: From Transition Shock to Competent Practice: Developing Preceptors to Support New Nurse Transition.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is well known that new graduate nurses (NGRNs) are likely to have a difficult transition from nursing school into professional practice and often experience a phenomenon known as transition shock. Evidence suggests using preceptors as an effective method supporting the NGRNs through this difficult transition.
  
  
  METHODS
  This project evaluated the effectiveness of a structured preceptor development program by measuring perceptions of transition to practice and first-year retention of two groups of former graduate nurses-the first comprising preceptors trained through a preceptor development program, and the second comprising preceptors who did not participate in structured training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Graduate nurses who had well-trained preceptors had higher, more positive perceptions about their ability to render safe and optimal care, as well as higher first-year retention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A structured preceptor-training program may contribute to an improved transition to practice and improved first-year retention rates of NGRNs.
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Clipper
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cherry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011231:Preceptorship; D011361:Professional Competence; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards*; D016730:Program Development; D012579:Schools, Nursing; D013663:Teaching; D055815:Young Adult