Newly Licensed RNs' Characteristics, Work Attitudes, and Intentions to Work

This study provides descriptive evidence that a majority of newly licensed RNs are reasonably satisfied and have no plans to change jobs, but the group is not homogeneous. The negative attitudes expressed in response to some survey questions suggest that newly licensed RNs may not remain in the acute care settings where they start out. Investing in better orientation and management may be the key to retaining them in hospitals. The authors will be following these RNs for two years and will develop predictive models of turnover rates.