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. 2021 Dec;77(12):4782-4792.
doi: 10.1111/jan.15060. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Final clinical practicum shapes the transition experience and occupational commitment of newly graduated nurses in Europe-A longitudinal study

Anu-Marja Kaihlanen  1 , Kia Gluschkoff  1 , Sanna Koskinen  2 , Leena Salminen  2   3 , Camilla Strandell-Laine  4 , Pilar Fuster Linares  5 , Herdís Sveinsdóttir  6 , Natalja Fatkulina  7 , Linda Ní Chianáin  8 , Juliane Stubner  9 , Helena Leino-Kilpi  2   3 ; ProCompNurse Consortium
Affiliations

Final clinical practicum shapes the transition experience and occupational commitment of newly graduated nurses in Europe-A longitudinal study

Anu-Marja Kaihlanen et al. J Adv Nurs. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to examine the association between the characteristics of a nursing student's final clinical practicum and the success of transition of newly graduated nurses (NGNs) in six European countries.

Design: A longitudinal design with two data collections points (pre- and post-graduate).

Methods: The data were collected with an online survey between May 2018 and April 2020 from graduating nursing students (n = 1796) in Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania and Spain. Altogether, 642 NGNs responded to the second questionnaire 1 year after graduation. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between five clinical practicum characteristics and three indicators for the success of transition (ease of transition, turnover intentions and occupational commitment). Models were adjusted for demographic and background/workplace factors and professional competence.

Results: Several associations were observed between the different clinical practicum characteristics and the indicators for a successful transition. Good pedagogical atmosphere and good supervisory relationship were associated with higher likelihood of an easy transition. Good leadership style of the ward manager, good premises of nursing care on the ward and a good supervisory relationship were associated with higher occupational commitment. No consistent association with turnover intention was found.

Conclusion: Having a good final clinical practicum before graduation can contribute to an easier transition experience for newly NGNs and strengthen their commitment to the nursing profession.

Impact: This study adds to the limited existing knowledge about the importance of final clinical practicums in shaping the transition process and occupational commitment of NGNs. Investing in creating a good final practicum experience could help healthcare organizations engage new nursing professionals and thus alleviate the existing shortage of nurses.

Keywords: clinical learning environment; final clinical practicum; graduating nursing student; newly graduated nurse; nursing; occupational commitment; transition; turnover.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
The associations of final clinical practicum with ease of transition and turnover intention by the different dimensions of clinical practicum (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals). Statistically significant (p < .05) associations are shown in boldface. Clest = Nurse teacher’s pedagogical cooperation with students; cles1 = Pedagogical atmosphere; cles2 = Leadership style of the ward manager; cles3 = Premises of nursing care on the ward; cles4 = The supervisory relationships. Unadj = unadjusted model; adj1 = adjusted for age, gender, country, and work environment; adj2 = additionally adjusted for working in the same place where the clinical practicum was conducted and professional competence
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
The associations of final clinical practicum with the dimensions of professional commitment by the different dimensions of clinical practicum (standardized beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals). Statistically significant (p < .05) associations are shown in boldface. Clest = Nurse teacher’s pedagogical cooperation with students; cles1 = Pedagogical atmosphere; cles2 = Leadership style of the ward manager; cles3 = Premises of nursing care on the ward; cles4 = The supervisory relationships. Unadj = unadjusted model; adj1 = adjusted for age, gender, country, and work environment; adj2 = additionally adjusted for working in the same place where the clinical practicum was conducted and professional competence
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