Supporting Newly Licensed Practical Nurses: An Ambulatory Care Transition-to-Practice Program

The fast-paced environment of ambulatory care nursing requires new hires to be equipped with powerful tools of knowledge, skill, and abilities to deliver high-quality safe care. An innovative licensed practical nurse (LPN) transition-to-practice program is an essential strategy to develop the confidence and competence of newly licensed practical nurses. The newly designed LPN transition-to-practice program provides recent graduates of practical nursing programs with a cohort model; evidence-based curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Core Competencies for LPNs; and an experienced preceptor at the clinic level. During this nine-month program participants attend weekly interactive classes for the first two months and then monthly skills-based classes; provide patient care with an experienced preceptor; complete an evidence-based practice project; shadow caregivers in other disciplines; participate in simulation to further develop critical-thinking skills; build organization-wide relationships; and increase confidence in safe delivery of care. This transition-to-practice program was a creative solution to address increasing vacancies and patient volume, support workforce development, and increase retention. To measure outcomes related to LPN confidence and competence, participants complete a survey upon program start and again at three months, six months, and nine months after the program, as well as evaluations after each class to assess the program structure, including content and faculty. The feedback received from the inaugural class has been very positive. The participants appreciate the cohort model, the advocacy of the program facilitator in breaking down barriers for the new graduates, as well as the forum to build on skills and concepts acquired in school. This LPN transition-to-practice program has been a success!