New Graduate Respiratory Therapists' Perceptions of Their Transition to Practice

BACKGROUND: The emerging challenges in the healthcare system require a vision for the future of respiratory care to ensure a successful transition to practice for new graduate respiratory therapists (RT). The nursing profession has recognized the need to acknowledge the successes and failures of graduates' transition to practice so that these programs can be continuously improved. The challenge is in identifying aspects of the transition to practice that may improve job satisfaction, retention, professional development, and patient care for RTs. This research aimed to explore the perceptions of new graduate RTs' experiences during their first year of practice and identify barriers and facilitators to a successful transition to practice.

METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study surveyed new graduate RTs who transitioned to practice from May 2019 to December 2021 at a New England academic medical center respiratory care department.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight new graduate RTs responses were included in the study. The majority of the respondents experienced a successful transition to practice; however, they faced many barriers. New graduate RTs reported that their orientation did not provide enough experience and exposure to gain confidence in critical skills and procedures. They also experienced stress due to COVID-19 and interpersonal relationships, felt overwhelmed by their workload, and were subject to negative workplace behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: New graduate RTs experienced many barriers to their transition to practice. Respiratory care leadership should identify barriers faced by new graduate RTs during their transition to practice. A nurse residency model may provide a framework for RT transition-to-practice programs. Improving transition-to-practice programs for new graduate RTs and surveying their experiences may lead to an increase in job satisfaction, retention, and improved patient care.