The relationship between nurse–nurse collaboration and work readiness among new graduate nurses

Abstract

Background: Communication and collaboration with colleagues are crucial for new graduate nurses (NGNs) because of the adaptation to both the healthcare system and professional role. Therefore, working units with effective collaboration among nurses may increase new graduates' work readiness.Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the perceptions of nurse-nurse collaboration and the work readiness level among NGNs.Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 198 NGNs in four private hospitals affiliated with a university. A self-administered questionnaire, including a personal information form, the Nurse-Nurse Collaboration Scale, and Work Readiness Scale, was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive tests, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.Results: NGNs had moderate perceptions of nurse-nurse collaboration, with a median score of 2.46 (2.23-2.88) out of 4. Work readiness among NGNs was moderate, with a median score of 304 (270-332) out of 460. There was a statistically significant correlation between nurse-nurse collaboration and work readiness (r s = 0.26; p < .001). Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrated that improving nurse-nurse collaboration is an effective way to increase work readiness among NGNs.

Nurse-to-Nurse Collaboration

“…The studies were inspired by different research questions. Most of the analyzed studies (15 [83.33%]) evaluated predictors and outcomes of nurse-nurse collaboration, 10,11,15–19,22–27 whereas 4 articles (22.22%) were dedicated to the validation of a tool to define the level of collaboration between nurses 8,20,21,26 …”

“…In this context, the role of the nurse manager should not be underestimated; nurse-nurse collaboration requires nurse managers to provide opportunities for meetings, relationships development, effective communication, and trust development. 17,18 Furthermore, the nurse manager should facilitate collaboration to improve nursing-sensitive outcomes. 7,16,17,19,22,25,28 The predisposing factors for intraprofessional collaboration listed above are reported in the literature concerning the collaborative processes that take place in healthcare environments between different healthcare professionals, specifically between nurses and clinicians.…”

“…The studies were inspired by different research questions. Most of the analyzed studies (15 [83.33%]) evaluated predictors and outcomes of nurse-nurse collaboration, 10,11,[15][16][17][18][19][22][23][24][25][26][27] whereas 4 articles (22.22%) were dedicated to the validation of a tool to define the level of collaboration between nurses. 8,20,21,26 Analyzing the demographics of the sample in the included studies, the subjects were predominantly female nurses who possessed a university degree.…”

“…Some studies show that having regular face-to-face interaction, having an existing or previous relationship regardless the work environment, 22,25,26 having a solid professional identity, 16 and exhibiting better work performance 18 are factors that positively affect the degree of nurse-nurse collaboration. Innate interpersonal skills are also factors related to the degree of collaboration 17,19,22,25 ; the ability to effectively communicate and to listen, the ability to respect the opinions and the role of others, the ability to converse and willingness to collaborate, a sense of humor, openness, and intellectual honesty are the most important interpersonal skills to improve intraprofessional collaboration. 17,19,22,25 Furthermore, collaboration between nurses seems to be positively related to the acquired academic qualification 7,11,27 and the professional experience in the context in which they collaborate 7,17,19 and in having had the opportunity to choose their working role or speciality.…”

“…Innate interpersonal skills are also factors related to the degree of collaboration 17,19,22,25 ; the ability to effectively communicate and to listen, the ability to respect the opinions and the role of others, the ability to converse and willingness to collaborate, a sense of humor, openness, and intellectual honesty are the most important interpersonal skills to improve intraprofessional collaboration. 17,19,22,25 Furthermore, collaboration between nurses seems to be positively related to the acquired academic qualification 7,11,27 and the professional experience in the context in which they collaborate 7,17,19 and in having had the opportunity to choose their working role or speciality. 11 Collaboration was also positively related with the opportunities the healthcare organization offered for discussion 17,19,22,23,25 and with knowledge and understanding of the meaning of collaboration and how it can improve nursing care.…”