Date of Award
12-2014
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Advanced Care Management and Leadership
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Patricia L. Hart
Second Advisor
Dr. Nicole Mareno
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand how preceptor role effectiveness and group cohesion play a role with nursing satisfaction and intent to stay among newly licensed registered nurses.
Design: A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional design was used.
Methods: The newly licensed registered nurse cohorts of a local healthcare system were polled within their first year of practice. The community healthcare system serves five local hospitals and meetings were held at a neutral educational center. A demographic survey as well as surveys on preceptor role effectiveness, perceptions of group cohesion, nursing satisfaction, and intent to stay were used.
Results: NLRNs reported high levels of perceived preceptor role effectiveness (M = 65.37, SD = 9.38), group cohesion (M = 32.80, SD = 6.67), and job satisfaction (M = 80.62, SD = 13.91). Despite these factors, NLRNs reported only moderate levels of intent to stay (M = 3.30, SD = 1.10). Statistically significant relationships were found between preceptor role effectiveness and job satisfaction, r(84) = 0.277, p = 0.012; intent to stay, r(84) = 0.262, p = 0.017; and job enjoyment subscale, r(84) = 0.287, p = 0.009. Statistically significant relationships were found between group cohesion and job satisfaction, r(84) = 0.569, p < 0.01; intent to stay, r(84) = 0.553, p < 0. 01; quality of care subscale, r(84) = 0.457, p < 0.01; job enjoyment subscale, r(84) = 0.515, p < 0.01; and time to do job subscale, r(84) = 0.415, p < 0.01.
Conclusion: Effective preceptors and positive group cohesion are factors that are important to NLRNs’ job satisfaction and intent to stay. It is important for nursing leaders to identify successful strategies to ease the transition to practice for NLRNs. With proper implementation, nursing leaders can expect some insulation from the global nursing shortage, improved patient outcomes, and increased cost savings from proper NLRN training and retention strategies.