A Look at the Qualifications That Prepare a Nurse for Professional Service
A recent study published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has shed light on the characteristics of new-to-practice nurses and the time it takes for their entry-level characteristics to be replaced by consistent and effective clinical judgement. According to Nicole Williams, the director of content and test development at the NCSBN, this study is crucial in understanding the needs of new nurses and ensuring they enter and remain in the workforce feeling confident and ready to do their jobs.
The study found that 74% of nurses surveyed stated it takes about 12 months to be ready to practice autonomously. However, 26% of the surveyed nurses stated it takes more than 12 months to be ready to practice without relying on a more experienced nurse for guidance. This variation highlights the need for individualised support and resources during the transition period.
Williams suggests that CNOs focus on transition-to-practice resources such as a hybrid curriculum, supportive practice on the units with preceptors, mentors, and coaches. She emphasises the importance of defining the length of the entry-level period so CNOs can better understand and assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a new nurse to practice safely.
The study also highlights the urgency for new nurses to engage in effective clinical decision-making from the beginning of their careers. With aging patient populations and higher patient acuity, new-to-practice nurses need to develop their clinical judgement quickly. Clinical judgement is essential for new-to-practice nurses, as they gain practice experiences, they come to recognise patterns, cues, and synthesise salient cues to make effective clinical judgments.
Williams notes that new-to-practice nurses in 2025 have different needs and workflows than nurses of previous generations. She explains that in other professions, there is a defined, supervised practice period for novice professionals, but in nursing, there is no defined period on when it should end. Williams recommends that the entry-level period lasts long enough for newly licensed nurses to have additional supporting resources.
Nicole Williams also states that more newly licensed nurses are working in emergency departments, critical care, and high acuity areas. She believes that these nurses need extra support and resources to ensure they can provide safe and effective care.
In conclusion, the study by the NCSBN provides valuable insights into the needs of new-to-practice nurses. It highlights the importance of transition-to-practice resources and the need for CNOs to focus on these resources to ensure new nurses feel confident and ready to do their jobs. The study also emphasises the urgency for new nurses to develop their clinical judgement quickly due to aging patient populations and higher patient acuity.
