New Grad RN Transition to Practice Cohorts

Overview of the Transition to Practice (TTP) Program at Little Company of Mary

*Model: National Council of State Board of Nursing

Our Transition to Practice (TTP) Program began in April 2014. Since its inception, more than 250 New Grad RNs have been part of the TTP Program. The retention rate of LCMH New Grad RNs is significantly above the national average. New Grad Cohorts for the Transition to Practice take place five times per year in January, March, June, August and October. Cohorts include New Grad RNs that have just completed nursing school.  Post-Acute RNs that have been out of school a year or less and have never worked in an acute care setting  (*These RNs are followed for six months.). Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree is preferred but an Associate’s Degree in Nursing is accepted with the expectation of BSN completion.  

How do you become part of the TTP Program?

• An application submitted via our website automatically includes you for consideration for the TTP
• All are given information about the program and its requirements by HR during the hiring process
• All are given the dates and times of their meeting schedule for the year
• All are made aware that attendance to all of the scheduled meetings is mandatory
• All will sign a “Transition to Practice Commitment Summary”
• Post Hire an online assessment will be given to help tailor your orientation to you

What to expect in the TTP Program?

Mentorship - Experienced nurses are here to help mentor you in this yearlong multidimensional program as you transition into your nursing career with confidence. Some program highlights include:

New Grad Orientation - on the unit typically for three months 

Weekly Evaluations - completed by the New Grad and discussed with the Nurse Manager and the Preceptor to help provide guidance and continue support

Meetings - TTP Cohorts meet every two weeks for the first three months and then monthly for a year with a total of over 50 hours of class room instruction

• Curriculum and Topics of discussion during these meetings include:
• Incivility and Conflict Management
• Time Management
• Prioritizing and Delegating
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Ethics
• Disaster/Emergency Response Preparedness
• MOAB-Management of Aggressive Behavior
• Sepsis and MEWS
• The Patient Experience
• Quality Measures
• Evidenced Based Practice
  • Nursing Evidenced Based Projects and Presentation to nursing leadership at the end of 12 months

Peer Support - meetings include an open table discussion.  Every New Grad is given the opportunity to talk about their experiences.  As a group, we talk about solutions to some of the situations the New Grad is experiencing.  Everyone gives their input and provides support for each other.

• Luncheon and additional networking and mentorship opportunities with the Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing leadership
• During the first three months, all TTP RNs that work in areas that require telemetry or rhythm surveillance attend an AACN online ECG class.

Shadowing Experiences

• One Day Surgery or GI lab for additional IV Therapy opportunities after being trained by Nursing Education with hands on skills
• Central Transport
• Med Rec Pharmacist in ED
• Case Management
• Wound Care
• Pharmacy
• Emergency Room \ ICU
• Telemetry or a different Med/Surg area
• ODS/OR/PACU
• Behavioral Health
• Respiratory Therapy
• Vascular Access RN
• Care Partner