Study shows new nurses need a year to be ready for independent practice

Editor's Note

Most newly licensed nurses require about 12 months before they can practice autonomously, a HealthLeaders September 8 analysis reports. The article highlights findings from a recent National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) study of 200 nurses, 74% of whom reported that a full year was necessary to develop confidence and consistent clinical judgment without relying on a more experienced colleague.

Nicole Williams, NCSBN’s director of content and test development, explained to the outlet that today’s new nurses often begin their careers in emergency, critical care, and other high-acuity settings where they must quickly make complex clinical decisions. As patient populations grow older and sicker, the ability to recognize patterns, interpret cues, and act decisively is more urgent than in prior generations. Williams emphasized that clinical judgment serves as the scaffolding for safe practice during this transition period.

The study also noted there is currently no defined timeframe for how long novice nurses should remain under the close supervision of seasoned staff. In contrast to medicine, which has structured residency or fellowship programs, nursing lacks a universally standardized practice-readiness model. Williams suggested that establishing a clear 12-month benchmark could give chief nursing officers (CNOs) a practical way to plan for recruitment, orientation, and retention.

For CNOs, the findings reinforce the importance of transition-to-practice resources. Williams recommended hybrid approaches that combine curriculum-based learning with unit-level support, including preceptors, mentors, and coaches. These resources help new nurses acclimate to the realities of bedside care, bridge the gap between knowledge and application, and ensure they can progress toward autonomous practice safely.