Murdoch University Research Repository

Welcome to the Murdoch University Research Repository

The Murdoch University Research Repository is an open access digital collection of research
created by Murdoch University staff, researchers and postgraduate students.

Learn more

New graduate nurses' clinical safety knowledge by the numbers

Murray, M., Sundin, D. and Cope, V.ORCID: 0000-0002-4528-4268 (2019) New graduate nurses' clinical safety knowledge by the numbers. Journal of Nursing Management, 27 (7). pp. 1384-1390.

Link to Published Version: https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12819
*Subscription may be required

Abstract

Aim
To explore new graduate registered nurses' knowledge and attitudes concerning medical error and patient safety, during their first 6 months of professional practice.

Background
New graduate registered nurses demonstrate basic skills and levels of performance due to limited exposure and experience in actual situations. There is a concern held for their clinical reasoning skills required to recognize patient deterioration, posing a threat to patient safety.

Methods
An online questionnaire was used to survey new graduate registered nurses at three time points during graduate nurse programmes between August 2016 and February 2018.

Results
A decrease in self‐reported knowledge and attitudes regarding medical errors was noted over the three time points. These results indicate initial confidence in theoretical knowledge and attitudes upon completion of undergraduate education, and prior to commencing professional practice.

Conclusion
Results suggest that a theory practice gap persists with respect to medical error for transitioning new nurses.

Impact for Nursing Management
New nurses lack confidence around compromised patient safety situations and a knowledge gap around actions related to medical error. Nurse managers and educators should be made aware of this gap to implement strategies to decrease risk during novice nurse transition.

Item Type: Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s): Nursing
Publisher: Wiley
Copyright: © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
URI: http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/49965
Item Control Page Item Control Page