Graduation Date
Summer 8-7-2026
Submission Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
School
School of Nursing
Faculty Mentor
Deborah Dillon
Committee Member
Autumn Wilkins
Keywords
clinical development coach, new graduate nurse, comfort, confidence
Abstract
The transition from student to professional nurse is a critical developmental stage often marked by heightened stress, emotional exhaustion, and uncertainty in clinical judgment. These challenges frequently contribute to lower confidence levels, increased anxiety, and higher risks for patient safety events among new graduate nurses. This program evaluation project aims to assess the effectiveness of integrating a Clinical Development Coach (CDC) role to enhance new graduate nurse’s confidence, comfort, and overall competence while reducing patient safety incidents on a trauma/surgical inpatient unit in a medical center on the East coast. The CDC role is a structured mentorship and resource position, staffed by an experienced registered nurse whose primary responsibility is to support new graduates in clinical decision-making, communication, and prioritization of patient care. Unlike traditional charge nurses or preceptors who balance patient assignments, the CDC remains free of patient care duties, allowing for real-time guidance, coaching, and reinforcement of safe clinical practices. The purpose of this program evaluation is to determine whether the introduction of the CDC role positively influences new graduate nurse development and patient safety outcomes, contributing to both nurse retention and organizational safety culture. Data will be collected and analyzed over a six-month period, from January to June 2026. Quantitative data will include pre- and post-implementation rates of patient safety events such as medication errors and rapid response team activations, while qualitative data will focus on self-reported levels of comfort and confidence among new graduate nurses using the Novice Nurse Confidence Rating Scale survey tool.
Recommended Citation
Kramer, Megan T., "Enhancing New Graduate Nurse Confidence and Patient Safety Through Clinical Development Coach Integration" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts. 73.
https://dsc.duq.edu/dnp/73