New Nurse Well-Being: Implications for Retention, Job Satisfaction, and Patient Safety

OBJECTIVE: To examine the well-being of new nurses (NNS) and its effect on job satisfaction, turnover intent, and patient safety. BACKGROUND: NNs face significant challenges during their transition to clinical practice, which can impact their mental health, job satisfaction, retention, and patient safety. Understanding well-being during this critical period can guide leaders in building workforce strategies. METHODS: A national survey of NNs measured well-being, job satisfaction, turnover intent, and patient safety practices. RESULTS: More than half (54.4%) of NNs screened at elevated risk for distress. Poorer well-being was linked to lower job satisfaction (odds ratio=0.41), increased turnover intent (odds ratio=1.29), and higher negative safety practices. CONCLUSIONS: Well-being is a leading indicator of workforce and safety outcomes. Findings provide leaders with actionable benchmarks to integrate well-being into retention and safety strategies.