title: Work readiness of nursing graduates: current perspectives of graduate nurse program coordinators.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The transition from nursing student to graduate remains problematic internationally with issues arising concerning graduates' work readiness upon commencing employment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory study specifically investigated perceptions of graduate nurse program coordinators on the work readiness of nursing graduates, with the aims of identifying strengths, weaknesses and challenges that exist.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative descriptive design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen graduate nurse program coordinators were interviewed from various health-care services in the state of Victoria, Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to disclose reoccurring themes and sub-themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This paper reports on one theme, preparation readiness, and three sub-themes associated with this theme; clinical skills deficits, communication issues and transitioning as an enrolled nurse to a registered nurse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are several areas of weaknesses and challenges for nursing graduates in their preparation for practice. As a poorly understood area, evidence from this study will inform curriculum development and transition programs, not only in Australia, but also internationally.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Healthcare , Federation University , Gippsland Campus, Northways Road, Churchill , VIC 3842 , Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Missen
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, School of Nursing and Midwifery , Monash University , Clayton campus, Wellington Road, Clayton , VIC 3168 , Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.affiliation: c Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood , VIC 3125 , Australia.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beauchamp
mesh_terms: D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004651:Employment; D014739:Victoria
keywords: graduate nurse; preparation; qualitative; readiness; transition programs