Work readiness of graduate nurses and the impact on job satisfaction, work engagement and intention to remain

Abstract

Graduate work readiness is a relatively new construct that can predict graduate potential. Its impact on graduate work outcomes however, is unknown. The current study aimed to explore the relationships between work readiness and a number of work outcomes (job satisfaction, work engagement, and intention to remain). A survey design was used. A sample of 96 graduate nurses from two regional hospitals in Victoria, Australia participated in this study. Data were collected using quantitative surveys Three of the four work readiness dimensions (organisational acumen, clinical competence and social intelligence) were found to predict job satisfaction and work engagement. Moreover, both job satisfaction and work engagement were found to mediate the relationship between organisational acumen and intention to remain. The findings indicate that dimensions of work readiness uniquely predict work outcomes. Findings support prior research, which suggests that graduate work readiness is a multidimensional construct comprising skills and attributes beyond discipline-specific competence.