During this time of nursing shortages, hospitals that want to maintain the competitive edge must seek ways to recruit and retain a competent nursing staff. This study was conducted in a large hospital that strives to be the primary health care provider and employer of choice in its geographic region. The purpose of the study was to assess new nurses' perceptions of nursing practice and their expectations for meeting professional goals. Sixty-seven new nurses from 13 hospital departments were interviewed. Comprehensive orientation, continuing education, and mentoring were important values identified by this group of nurses. Communication with physicians and fear of causing accidental harm to patients were expressed concerns. Data from this survey will be used by the organization to change orientation policies to better meet the needs of the nursing staff and improve recruitment and retention of nurses.

Nurse executives are challenged to translate the mission of their healthcare organizations into desired outcomes that accomplish what is best for patients. Moving from paper to an electronic clinical documentation system can be a key tool in meeting this challenge; thus, nurse executives must lead a workforce that understands and embraces technology. The authors describe the change management approach that began the organizational culture transformation from paper to an electronic clinical documentation system.

Today, healthcare and healthcare professionals are constantly undergoing change. Environmental, interpersonal, and intrapersonal changes, along with caring for critically ill patients, present many challenges for those working in critical care. Change process research can be very helpful in guiding the change process for those working and healing in the critical care environment.

Discussions between clinical nurse leaders and nurse faculty regarding changes in healthcare that affect the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduate resulted in the creation of the Senior Partnership Practicum. This article describes the process that took place to implement this clinical partnership model at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC).