title: I-Kiribati nursing graduates experience of transition from university to residential aged care facilities in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experience of international nursing graduates from Kiribati transitioning into practice in RACFs, upon completion of their bachelor of nursing degree in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used an interpretive phenomenology design with two focus groups. A thematic analysis of the transcripts from the focus groups generated themes relating to the graduates personal journey through transition.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted with graduates working in residential aged care facilities [RACF].
  
  
  METHODS
  I-Kiribati nursing graduates (N=6) who have been practicing for 1year in RACF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experience of transition for the I-Kiribati graduates related to challenges faced during this time. Three themes were developed from the analysis: being unsure of expectations, understanding responsibilities of practice, and stepping up to the RN role. The influence of culture was apparent within the three themes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the transition to RACFs for the participants was difficult; however, students described increased confidence to work through professional and cultural challenges. They became more reliant on their own knowledge and skills as they matured as practitioners. Recommendations for improving the transition experience include transitional support and educational workshops related specifically to working in RACF. Tailoring workshops to the specific needs of international graduate nurses would assist their transition in relation to cultural differences.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Qld, 4131, Australia. Electronic address: e.coyne@griffith.edu.au.
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Coyne
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Qld, 4131, Australia. Electronic address: h.rands@griffith.edu.au.
authors.forename: Hazel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rands
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Qld, 4131, Australia. Electronic address: santi.gurung@griffithuni.edu.au.
authors.forename: Santi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gurung
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Qld, 4131, Australia. Electronic address: u.kellett@griffith.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kellett
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D017144:Focus Groups; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Graduate transition; I-Kiribati; International nursing students; Phenomenology; Residential aged care