Development of a conceptual framework for a person-centred nurse residency programme

Abstract

Newly Qualified Professional Nurses (NQPNs) require support while transitioning from student to professional nurse. Nurse residency programmes guided by competent facilitators provide such support. We developed a conceptual framework for a Person-centred Nurse Residency Programme. This qualitative interpretive descriptive study was conducted in three phases. In phase 1, we assessed the support needs of purposively selected NQPNs as well as senior professional nurses. Data were collected using multiple methods and analysed during a consensus workshop held in Phase 2. In Phase 3, we developed a conceptual framework which was validated by six nurse education experts. The final framework comprised of four domains: learning outcomes, learning processes, learning environment, prerequisites of the facilitator, and was underpinned by the educational theories of constructivism and person-centeredness. Advocates of nurse residency programmes should recognise that these domains are interrelated and aim to achieve person-centred support for NQPNs.