title: Graduate nurse experiences of support: A review.
abstract: The first year of practice as a nurse is recognized as stressful. Graduate nurses (GNs) report gaps in their education, reality shock, burnout and other negative experiences that influence their intentions to remain in nursing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this literature review was to gain a greater understanding of the experiences of GNs.
  
  
  METHODS
  It included thirty-six articles that focused on GNs and their transition to nursing, as part of a graduate nurse program (GNP), from 2005 to present.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The review identified three main themes that influence the transition from student to registered nurse. These themes included, 1) feeling stressed and overwhelmed by nursing responsibilities, 2) the amount of support from senior nurses and 3) the importance of feedback on their performance as nurses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research that is focused on the support and feedback provided to new nurses is needed.
authors.affiliation: Deakin University, Building HC, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia. Electronic address: igga@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.affiliation: Deakin University, Building HC, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia. Electronic address: jade.sheen@deaki.edu.au.
authors.forename: Jade
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sheen
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Education; Feedback; Graduate nurse; Graduate nurse program; Stress; Support