The effects of a pilot support program on the transformational learning processes of new nurses.

摘要

This study has examined the effects of a pilot support program on the transformational learning processes of new nurses. It identified the relationship between self-esteem/self-confidence and level of reflection, and finally, explored how the ideals of new nurses evolved over the course of the 90-day study.; A total of twenty newly graduated nurses agreed to participate in this research endeavor. New graduates were recruited for two groups based on the month they attended their initial orientation. Both study groups completed open-ended sentence items, Friedman Well-Being Scales and kept guided reflective journals. The second of the two groups also participated in a pilot support program. Those that participated in the pilot program acknowledged that it was helpful hearing that others in similar situations were having similar feelings about their transition to patient care unit and actual practice.; Results of this study suggest that there is a positive relationship between self-esteem/self-confidence and level of reflection. Finally, the ideals of new nurses that were initially vague became more specific as they became more familiar with their new role. Findings from this study have yielded valuable insights into the transformation process of new nurses.