Question: What kind of early support makes the biggest difference for new nurses?

“While the early support, like transition-to-practice (TTP) programs, is imperative to build foundations, they only work best when they are focused on building the competence of nurses. These programs must advance and evolve to include domains of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Often, TTP programs are skill-based and focused on specific tasks, whereas a competency-based TTP program ensures nurses are equipped to apply clinical judgment, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality and safety and are built to help them adapt in real-world scenarios. Competency-based TTP programs build confidence, critical thinking and long-term capability.

Preceptor training is crucial as well, but the preceptors need to be trained differently. Preceptors assess and validate the skills of newly graduated nurses. However, they need to evolve and be able to assess and validate the competencies of newly graduated nurses. Preceptor programs aligned with evidence-based TTP programs help those nurses journey together through the initial transition to practice stage.

A modern, competency-based transition-to-practice (TTP) program—combined with a strong preceptor program that equips preceptors to assess and validate competency—supports new nurses in developing clinical judgment, emotional resilience and a sense of connection from day one, positively influencing both performance and patient outcomes. When nurses are well-prepared and supported in the preceptor role, they begin to find meaning and fulfillment in guiding and developing the next generation of nurses.

But we also need to think beyond that first year. True workforce investment means supporting nurses across their entire career journey—with opportunities for advancement, upskilling and leadership development. We want nurses and preceptors to be able to visualize their future with your organization and be capable of leading it through change—improving outcomes and shaping the next generation of nurses along the way. 

We have to design systems to support nurses at every stage, because that's what will drive sustainable impact.”

Question: This Nurse Appreciation Month, what message would you like to share with nurses and with the leaders responsible for supporting them?

“This Nurses Month, I want to say thank you—not just for what you do, not just for showing up to work every day, but for who you are. Because I believe when nurses clock in each and every day, they want to provide the best patient care possible. Nurses bring compassion, strength and purpose to each and every shift and each and every patient they touch. So they deserve to have the same consideration for themselves.

We must change how we care for ourselves and seek out resources without stigma, concerns about professional repercussions or the unattainable belief we should be able to handle our own mental health and well-being. We are not superheroes—we are human.

And to healthcare leaders—thank you for all you’ve done. We know there’s innovation out there and there are leaders across our nation attempting to provide better support and better structure for our nurses. We know appreciation is important, but it’s not enough. Support needs to be ongoing, strategic and human-centered. Let’s move beyond recognition and build the environments nurses need to thrive.

This includes competency- and evidence-based TTP programs, professional development programs and certification programs that are forward-thinking and responsive to today’s complex healthcare landscape. Traditional models aren’t enough—nurses need innovative, proven approaches reflecting the realities they face and empowering them to grow, lead and stay.

Nurses deserve more than gratitude—they deserve lasting support systems to prioritize their growth, well-being and long-term success. This Nurses Month, let’s commit to building those systems together.”