This research examines the perceptions of new registered nurses (RN), head nurses, nurse managers and clinical nursing educators, as it relates to the ‘New Graduate Registered Nurses’ competence and confidence for practice, in their first job. It is intended to determine whether new graduate registered nurses are armed with the necessary nursing skills and core competencies needed to care for complex and high-acuity patient cases, upon assumption of their first job. The research seeks to establish if the performance expectations of the new graduates differ among the various categories i.e. new graduate registered nurses, head nurses, clinical nurse educators, and nurse managers.

 

This research is of critical importance because the competence of Registered Nurses upon entry to the labour force, is a concern of employers and nursing councils internationally, as the new nurse is expected to display, highly effective communication skills and demonstrate mastery of professional practice from inception. It will synthesise current evidence about the influences, professional acculturation and determinants of the development of professional competence and confidence attainment for new nurses and their readiness to practice. It will allow for Transition, Mentorship and Preceptorship programmes to hence forth be formulated with concentration on making the new graduate registered nurse feel welcomed and will gain improved understanding of what realistic expectations they should hold of new graduate registered nurses’ abilities and competency level.

 

This work is significant as it has not yet been done in Trinidad and Tobago and findings will identify any gaps in the transitioning of new nurses and will recommend strategies to bridge any gaps and to inform improvements to curricula. It will serve to resolve systematic inefficiencies and influence adjustments to transition programmes and nursing curricula in schools of nursing, that will promote a sustainable resolution.

 

This study contributes to scholarly work in the field of nursing and will provide actionable strategies for policymakers, in the schools of nursing and the Regional Health Authorities (RHA) who are seeking comprehensive and sustainable resolutions.

Ms Jesinta Charles Jones Tobas was born in St James, Trinidad. She has been a Registered Nurse for thirty-seven years, and has served as the Chair of Nursing at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) for the past three years.

 

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration at St Joseph’s College, USA, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Andrews University, USA. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Administration, with research centred on Competence in New Registered Nursing professionals.

 

Jesinta served as a Senior Lecturer at COSTAATT for twenty-four years. She has also worked in the private and public sectors in the United States and Trinidad, for eight years, which has expanded and enriched her experiences, internationally.

 

Jesinta is committed to contributing to the health of the society, through the educational preparation of nursing personnel in Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring the most substantial impact on complex skill acquisition, critical thinking, reasoning and clinical decision-making.

 

She has played a role in graduating nursing personnel from a range of regionally and internationally recognised Associate and Bachelor’s programmes, including Registered General Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing and Midwifery. Jesinta has also delivered postgraduate diplomas in District Health Visiting and Mental Health Officers, with high-quality education that enables these professionals to function, ultimately improving the quality of health care to society.

 

Jesinta subscribes to the fact that high-quality nursing professionals are essential for delivery of competent, compassionate healthcare. This research study will provide pivotal insights for growth.