New graduate registered nurses: Risk mitigation strategies to ensure safety and successful transition to practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted traditional pathways for new graduate registered nurses (NGRN's) transition to practice. In response to stay at home emergency orders in 2020, NGRN's experienced changes in pre-licensure curriculum, clinical practicums, NCLEX testing, and licensure, all which influence preparedness for professional practice. The adverse impact on education and clinical training extends to all nursing students who attended higher education institutions of learning during 2020 to present and is a significant consideration with new graduates over the long-term, whom will be caring for patients in healthcare settings.

Empowering the development of a nurse-driven protocol.

Results from a research project examining nurses' knowledge of diabetes empowered direct-care nurses to develop a hypoglycemia protocol, increasing accountability for the care provided and helping move from tradition-based to evidence-based practice.