title: A study of transition: the new nurse graduate at 3 months.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nursing shortages, increased patient acuity, and early discharges have increased demands on newly graduated nurses. At the same time, financial constraints have curtailed orientation programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Open-ended interviews were conducted with 11 nurses employed in acute care settings at 3 months following graduation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  New nurses defined their work as a set of skills and attended to procedural aspects of care. Most lacked the capacity for helpful communications with patients and families. They relied heavily on routines learned from experienced nurses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At 3 months, new graduates are apprehensive about their work. Approaches to nursing are largely procedural and guided by the routines of senior colleagues.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Mary-Lou
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ellerton
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gregor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009674:Nova Scotia; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis