Readiness to Practice for New Graduate Nurses: Experience at a Community-based Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study used the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Survey© to measure readiness to practice among new graduate nurses. METHOD: This prospective longitudinal study collected survey data at four distinct time points during orientation. Survey items were classified into four subthemes: clinical problem-solving, learning techniques, professional identity, and trials and tribulations. Group analysis was performed for the calculation of group difference statistics with one-way analysis of variance for multiple groups. RESULTS: A total of 40 nurses participated. A significant increase in confidence was seen for three of the four subthemes. In addition, a significant increase in confidence was seen in confidence in caring for a full complement of patients (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: The clinical orientation program was successful in preparing new graduate nurses for independent practice.