Enhancing Graduate Nurse Transition: Report of the Evaluation of the Clinical Honors Program

Background: The Bachelor of Nursing with Clinical Honors (Transition to Practice) program supports the transition of nursing graduates. It is the first initiative of its kind in Australia and is designed to integrate with existing graduate transition programs. The program is clinically focused, collaborative, and accessible online. Method: A 2015 evaluation comprised a program performance review, a questionnaire-based research component, and participating partner interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Results: The student and graduate surveys indicate that the program promotes evidence-based practice and learning, critical thinking, and reflection. Medication safety, its link to the national quality and safety agenda, and the promotion of safe medication administration were highlighted. The results of the industry partner interviews indicate that the program supports the missions and values of the participating organizations. Conclusion: The Clinical Honors program provides an evidence-based, theoretically structured program supporting transition to practice for new RNs. It supports the development of critical thinking, reflection, skill enhancement, and confidence.