J Contin Educ Nurs. 2025 Aug;56(8):322-328. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20250612-02. Epub 2025 Aug 1.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Early career nurses with 1 to 2 years of experience are offered minimal structured support after onboarding. During this period, nurses often contemplate their next career steps without guidance, sometimes leaving an organization.
METHOD: A quantitative quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine whether career coaching focused on professional development and mentorship would (a) increase retention and (b) improve engagement of pediatric nurses with 1 to 2 years of experience.
RESULTS: Participant retention remained 100% throughout the study. Nonparticipant retention dropped to 96% at 12 weeks postintervention and 94% at 20 weeks postintervention. Engagement scores increased after the career coaching sessions, with no statistically significant difference in mean values for engagement pre- and postintervention (t = -1.06, df = 8.00, p = .320).
CONCLUSION: Engagement improved postintervention. Retention was greater for participants than for nonparticipants. Increasing nurse retention positively impacts professional, financial, and patient care outcomes for nurses and the health care community.
PMID:40749214 | DOI:10.3928/00220124-20250612-02
