Entry into community-based nursing practice: Perceptions of prospective employers

To better prepare new graduates for entry-level positions in community settings, faculty of one college of nursing gathered information using focus groups of prospective employers. The groups were to identify the skills and qualities nurses need to practice in the community and ways to redesign nursing curricula to better prepare undergraduates for community-based practice. Data for this qualitative study were collected in five separate focus groups conducted with prospective employers (N =18) from four major areas of Kentucky. By collaborating with prospective employers in the community, a partnership was established between nurse educators and community health leaders to improve the marketability of baccalaureate graduates. Assessment was the most frequently named skill essential to nursing practice in the community. Independence, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence consistently emerged as important skills and qualities. Prospective employers were positive about developing partnerships to improve undergraduate nursing curricula. Recommendations for curricula to better prepare undergraduates for community-based practice are suggested.