The Relevance of Person-Environment Fit Theory for Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Joy Washburn, EdD, RN, WHNP-BC
Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify the multi-dimensional concepts of Person-Environment Fit theory.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to discuss how the theory of Person-Environment Fit may affect transition to practice for newly licensed RNs.

Positive outcomes of employment are likely when applicants or employees are a fit or a match with the environment.  Theories related to person-environment (P-E) fit are widely accepted in human resource management.  P-E fit is conceptualized multi-dimensionally to include fit between person and job, vocation, organization, or group.  Jansen and Kristof-Brown (2006) posited that fit between person and organization is important to consider during the interview process, whereas fit between person and group is relevant post-hire, and fit between person and job is salient pre-hire and post-hire. 

During the first year of licensure, registered nurses undergo a transition to practice process, often described as a time of reality shock.  They interview for and accept an initial position of hire in an RN role where the realities of professional nursing practice can result in stress and disillusionment.  Data indicates 35% to 65% of newly licensed nurses will resign from their initial position within one year.  Could this be a result of lack of fit with organization, job, or group? 

An extensive literature review within the domain of nursing revealed that little is written about transition to professional nursing practice using a framework of P-E fit.  It is theorized that nurse-educators and nurse-administrators may not be well aware of the dimensions of P-E fit and its’ relevance to nursing, particularly in relation to transition to practice issues.  This presentation will provide an overview of P-E fit theory and further explain why it is important to nursing.