Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung KY(1), Wong WY(1), Elaine Leung(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Central Nursing Division, Grantham Hospital
Introduction :
In healthcare, nursing staff shortages are a global issue (International Council of Nurses, 2023). Hong Kong faces this challenge, notably in the public healthcare sector. While the HA has made efforts to diversify nursing manpower sources through initiatives like overseas recruitment, retaining staff is equally crucial. Fresh nursing graduates, in particular, are vulnerable to leaving the profession due to various challenges, with the phenomenon of 'reality shock' serving as a significant contributing factor (Glunn, et al., 2022). To address this, the "Unleashing Talent: A Gathering for Fresh Graduates” program was launched at Grantham Hospital in November 2023. The program supports new graduates during their critical initial years of practice, aiming to facilitate their role transition.
Objectives :
1. Support new nursing graduates during their initial years of clinical practice as qualified nurse. 2. Create a supportive environment to ease the transition into the challenging clinical setting, enhancing confidence and competence.
Methodology :
The program focuses on developing essential clinical skills not fully covered in institutional training. Coordinated by the CND, with support from ANCs, GH Nursing School teachers, and clinical preceptors, it includes quarterly two-hour workshops in small groups. The program comprises three key components: (I) Knowledge and Practical Skills Enhancement, emphasizing hands-on practice and simulation learning for essential clinical skills, e.g. drug scheduling in IPMOE, use of insulin-related devices, application of BIPAP; (II) Handling Critical Moments, simulating high-pressure scenarios like clinical incidents, guiding them on how to react, e.g. treat patient first and seek help. The program also guide the participants on how to report incidents in AIRS, and how to prepare a written statement. (III) Psychological Support, offering activities to encourage self-expression, like "Expressive Writing" and "Buddy Sharing Sessions" which experienced nurses with around three years of experience are invited to share their "survival skills in the ward" to enhance emotional resilience and well-being among new nursing graduates.
Result & Outcome :
Five workshops was held since November 2023, engaged 71 fresh nursing graduates (44 RNs, 27 ENs) at Grantham Hospital, with feedback collected via post-session questionnaires. Each session averaged 98.8% participants expressing overall satisfaction with the program’s structure, content, and delivery. Specifically, 57.7% strongly agreed that the program achieved its objectives, 60.8% strongly agreed that the content was practical for workplace application, and 73.2% strongly agreed they could apply the learned knowledge and skills. Participants valued the program’s relevance, with 98.6% satisfied with its suitability for fresh graduates. Participants voiced out specific training needs such as cardiac pacing, ECG interpretation, and effective handover techniques, providing valuable insights to tailor future sessions to their professional development. These outcomes underscore the program’s success in equipping fresh graduates with relevant skills and fostering enthusiasm for ongoing learning.
