Fixing the Grad Nurse Turnover Problem by Equipping Your Preceptors

You might already know that bullying and incivility are rising in healthcare. As healthcare leaders, it’s our job to equip ourselves with the knowledge, skills, and tools to combat these issues. One clear example of this challenge is the retention rates of our newly graduated nurses. If you have a nurse turnover problem, chances are you have a preceptor problem.

A recent study showed that 40% of new nurses quit within their first year, many within weeks after orientation. Shocking, right? This high turnover rate significantly impacts finances, patient care, and team dynamics. If you struggle to retain your new nurses, it’s time to look closely at your preceptors.

New Nurses Are Leaving Because of Toxic Workplaces

Research consistently shows that toxic workplace behavior is the top cause of nurse turnover and burnout. According to a McKinsey report from late 2022, it’s not about the money. New nurses are leaving because of how poorly their co-workers treat them. This generation of nurses won’t tolerate cruelty; they’d rather leave than endure a toxic environment.

The Role of Preceptors in Nurse Turnover

When working with a group of preceptors, we asked how many had been taught how to be preceptors. Half raised their hands. Then, we asked how many had attended more than one class or engaged in ongoing preceptor development. Only half of that first group kept their hands up. This highlighted a significant gap in preceptor training and development.

Preceptors are pivotal in onboarding new nurses. They help new hires learn the necessary skills and to fit into the organizational culture. New nurses feel lost, unprepared, and unsupported without well-equipped preceptors, leading to higher nurse turnover rates.

Overall, your preceptors are responsible for:

1. Protecting your newest employees.
2. Addressing any incidents of disruptive behaviors from your new nurses.
3. Ensuring they aren’t part of the problem.

The Two Fears of New Nurses

Likewise, when working with groups of new nurses, we ask questions. What are their fears as they transition into professional practice? We discovered the same fears repeatedly.

New nurses often have two primary fears:

1. Harming a patient
2. Their preceptor

To alleviate these fears, one effective strategy is having preceptors call their new hires a week before they start. A simple call to introduce themselves, answer questions about logistics, and express excitement about their arrival can significantly reduce anxiety.

Strategies to Equip Your Preceptors

The good news is that preceptors can implement simple strategies to help protect and support their newest nurses. These strategies have been shown to decrease new nurse turnover and help create a healthier work culture.

1. Protect During Shift Report and Assignments

Shift reports and patient assignments are critical times when new nurses are most vulnerable to bullying. Preceptors must be present during these times to support and protect new nurses. They should intervene if they notice nitpicking or unfair treatment.

2. Shut Down Negative Gossip

Gossip and negative talk can destroy a new nurse’s confidence. Preceptors should actively discourage such behavior and focus on constructive support and education. Transforming complaints into constructive feedback can foster a more supportive environment.

3. Address Disruptive Behaviors Immediately

If new nurses exhibit disruptive behavior, preceptors need to address it promptly. Ignoring bad behavior sets a dangerous precedent. Preceptors should confront issues, start documentation if necessary, and keep managers informed.

4. Next Generation of Bullies

To prevent new nurses from becoming the next generation of bullies, preceptors need to immediately confront disruptive behavior, start a documentation trail, and give managers a heads-up about any concerning behavior.

Equipping Preceptors

Equipping preceptors to protect their newest nurses isn’t included in any preceptor program we’ve ever seen. That’s why we have a curriculum designed to equip preceptors with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need. This curriculum covers everything from identifying and addressing bullying to effective feedback and protection strategies for new nurses.

The Impact of HWI’s Preceptor Curriculum

Implementing our comprehensive preceptor curriculum will have a profound impact on your organization. By equipping preceptors with the necessary knowledge and skills, your organization will benefit in several key areas:

• Shorter Orientation Periods: Streamlined onboarding processes will enable new nurses to become effective team members more quickly.
• Increased Retention: Enhanced support and training will improve job satisfaction and reduce new nurse turnover rates.
• Increased Productivity: Well-prepared preceptors will ensure new nurses are competent and confident, boosting overall team efficiency.
• Decreased Absenteeism: Addressing bullying and incivility will lead to a healthier work environment, reducing stress and burnout.
• Improved Patient Satisfaction Scores: A positive work environment correlates with higher patient satisfaction, as nurses are more engaged and motivated.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Promoting a culture of respect and support will improve teamwork and communication across the interprofessional team.

These outcomes will collectively foster a professional, supportive, and nurturing environment, resulting in highly competent and compassionate employees who contribute positively to the organization’s success.

Retaining new nurses starts with well-trained and supportive preceptors. Investing in their development creates a healthier work culture and reduces nurse turnover. If you’re struggling with this issue, closely examine your preceptor programs and consider ongoing training.

Want to learn more strategies to retain your new nurses? Watch our Coffee and Conversations video about Protecting Your New Nurses Like a Mother Bear.

Let’s turn this issue around together, protect and retain our new graduate nurses, and foster a positive work culture. Contact Cheryl Fletcher, Director of Education, today to discuss how our preceptor course can impact your organization.