The Effect of Transition to Practice Programs on the Self-Assessment of Newly Licensed Registered Nurses' Confidence in Quality and Safety Competency Attainment.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of transition to practice programs (TPPs) on self-assessment of quality and safety competency development in newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs). TPPs are innovative strategies to promote quality and safety competencies. Hospital-based TPPs support and facilitate transition to practice. A pretest-posttest design was used to determine if NLRNs' self-assessment of quality and safety knowledge, skills, and attitudes changed significantly over time and by TPP type as measured by the Nursing Quality and Safety Self-Inventory. Sixty-four NLRNs from three TPPs participated. A statistically significant increase in confidence in knowledge and skills was found with no significant changes in confidence attitudes. No significant changes were found based on TPP type or prelicensure program. The Nursing Quality and Safety Self-Inventory was a valid and reliable instrument for measuring changes in quality and safety knowledge, skills, and attitudes in NLRNs. TPPs are effective strategies to advance confidence in quality and safety competencies.