Transition to practice is traditionally a challenging time for new graduate RNs. But in recent discussions with nursing leaders around the world, I’ve observed a new phenomenon: it is taking longer for new RNs to develop clinical competence despite an increased investment in onboarding and training.
According to Patricia Benner’s article in The American Journal of Nursing, “From Novice to Expert,” nurses develop clinical competence through time and repeated practice providing the same type of care in similar situations before providing care in variable situations. Given this, my team identified several factors that may explain this slower progression from “novice” to “competent.”