Performance, satisfaction, and transition into practice of graduates of accelerated nursing programs.

This study examined differences in performance, job satisfaction, and transition into the professional role of new graduates of accelerated nursing programs compared with graduates of other types of prelicensure programs. The setting was a major medical center in the Southeast. The mean ratings for graduates' self-assessment of performance improved significantly from the beginning of their orientation to Year 1, except for competencies in research.

Managers' perspectives of new graduates of accelerated nursing programs: how do they compare with other graduates?

Nurse managers in focus groups reported that new graduates of all types of prelicensure programs were not prepared clinically for beginning practice. Graduates of accelerated programs had similar knowledge and skills as other new nurses but also brought work experience and maturity to the clinical setting, which fostered their transition to the nursing role. Nurse managers reported generational differences among graduates beyond their educational preparation and explained how those differences affected their learning of new technologies.