A study of transition: the new nurse graduate at 3 months.
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.
Ellerton
Mary-Lou
ML
School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Gregor
Frances
F
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