Managing support for newly qualified practitioners: lessons learnt from one health care region in the UK

Aim The study mapped the support provided for newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) across Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS). Background NQPs require support and guidance to facilitate their transition from student to their new role as qualified practitioner. Professional bodies advocate that programs be provided but the type and intensity of that support is variable. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted with 24 people delivering support for NQPs across professions in 13 different Healthcare Trusts. Documents (n=41) related to support programs were analysed. Two case study site visits and a knowledge exchange conference of 45 delegates completed data collection. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method of analysis. Results Support for NQPs was largely idiosyncratic to profession and Trust. Evidence emerged of a conceptual shift from basic competency acquisition toward a corporate induction program. Conclusions Interdisciplinary programs can provide generic transitional support, but the NQPs favoured skill acquisition to help them be effective in their new role. Measuring the impact of NQP support on patient outcome and the practitioner is required. Implications for nursing management A career pathway for those who support NQP and one that includes specific preparation for the role is proposed. Keywords: Newly qualified practitioners, transition, preceptee, preceptorship supervision