title: The exploration of the lived experience of the graduate nurse making the transition to registered nurse during the first year of practice.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the transition period of graduate nurses. A phenomenological research approach was used to explore the lived experiences of graduate nurses during their first year of employment. Content analysis resulted in five thematic areas identified as indicators of a positive transition experience. The findings of this study provide information for staff development instructors, nurse managers, and nurse administrators in identifying practice environment characteristics and initiatives that promote a positive transition period for graduate nurses and increased retention in initial areas of nursing practice.
authors.affiliation: Messiah College, Grantham, Pennsylvania, USA. lzinsmei@messiah.edu
authors.forename: Louann B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Zinsmeister
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schafer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011231:Preceptorship; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States