Implementing a Transition-to-Practice Program for Novice Clinical Nurse Specialists A Pilot Project

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a transition-to-practice program on job satisfaction among novice clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in the US Air Force. Program Description A needs assessment was conducted among currently practicing Air Force CNSs (n = 30) to establish the necessity for a transition-to-practice program. Newly graduated CNSs (n = 8) were paired with experienced CNS mentors and met every 2 weeks for 2 months to discuss progress on the CNS core competencies. Before beginning the program, mentees self-reported perceptions related to the core competencies. Mentors focused on areas of self-reported low competency. The Nursing Context Index was administered preintervention and postintervention to assess the program's impact on job satisfaction. Outcomes Overall job satisfaction among novice CNSs improved from 5.01 to 5.57 (scale, 1-7) after completing the program. Personal satisfaction (4.30-5.63) and satisfaction with professional support (5.28-6.00) showed the greatest improvement out of the 4 elements of job satisfaction evaluated. Conclusions Transition-to-practice programs can be beneficial for novice CNSs in establishing their practice. Future studies with larger sample sizes over longer periods of time are necessary to determine the true impact of similar programs.