Clinical Focus Program: enhancing the transition of senior nursing students to independent practice.

The Clinical Focus Program was designed to prepare senior nursing students for the transition to practice in the hospital setting. Through a series of 1:1 precepted clinical experiences, the students developed a broad base of clinical competencies and self-confidence in their nursing skills. Hospitals experienced reduced costs related to orientation and recruitment of new graduate nurses. The program also was valuable in building a network of collegiality and scholarship between education and practice environments.