Interprofessional perspectives on the implementation of a pilot graduate nurse residency program in a Hungarian pediatric hospital
Abstract
Background Ensuring nursing workforce supply and strengthening retention are critical healthcare challenges. Bethesda Children's Hospital introduced a pilot graduate nurse residency program (GNRP) to support newly graduated nurses through structured mentoring, rotation, and educational support. This study examines healthcare professionals' perceptions and acceptance of the program, rather than its effectiveness. Methods and sample A cross-sectional, quantitative, anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted at Bethesda Children's Hospital. The survey assessed sociodemographic and professional characteristics, attitudes toward the GNRP, and opinions on key program elements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, factor analysis, and regression analysis (IBM SPSS Statistics 27). Of 394 eligible employees, 189 participated (84 physicians, 44%; 105 nurses, 56%), representing occupational roles adequately (χ2 = 0.041; p = 0.839). Results Perceived support was generally positive, with mean ratings of program elements ranging from 3 to 4 on a 4-point Likert scale and low standard deviations (0.5-0.8). Factor analysis identified two dimensions: overall program support and ward-level mentoring support. Physicians reported significantly higher overall support than nurses (p < 0.001), whereas no significant professional difference was found in ward-level support (p = 0.542). Regression analysis showed that overall support was associated with professional role and ward-level support (p < 0.001), while years spent working in healthcare was not an independent factor. Conclusions The GNRP was perceived favorably in this Hungarian pediatric hospital, although nurses expressed more reserved support than physicians. This pilot study provides initial empirical evidence on the acceptance and perceived feasibility of introducing a graduate nurse residency program in Hungary.