The impact of nurse residency programs in the United States on improving retention and satisfaction of new nurse hires: An evidence-based literature review

Entry into practice for newly graduated nurses can be a demanding and overwhelming experience. These stressful work conditions have contributed to decreased retention and satisfaction amongst new nurse hires. The aim of this literature review is to answer the following question: in newly hired BSN graduates, how would the use of a one-year nurse residency program compared to a traditional orientation affect turnover rates and reported satisfaction of the new nurse hires over a one-year period? Peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews between the years of 2012-2017 found on the Medline, Nursing & Allied health, and CINHAL were used. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed literature that addressed the impact of one-year NRPs on nurse retention or nurse satisfaction. Exclusion criteria were articles that addressed NRPs without discussing retention or satisfaction. The JHEBP Appraisal Tools were used to extract and appraise evidence. Use of NRPs showed increased satisfaction and retention of new nurse graduates over a one-year period, leading to the conceptualization that this is a more effective method than traditional orientations for new nurse hires.