title: Developing an evidence-based transition program for graduate nurses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The catalyst to revise the graduate nurse program at an inner city hospital was a major service reconfiguration, which reduced services, staffing and graduate nurse positions. Parameters for the new program were that it was evidence-based and could function within the reduced resources.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Review current literature and design an evidence-based transition program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight databases were searched for primary and secondary research and unpublished theses (2004-2014), which were then hand searched. Eighty-three articles were reviewed and 50 retained as they informed development of a program designed to actively promote the graduates' transition from undergraduate to independent health professional.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three key concepts emerged from the literature: the graduates' need for support, socialisation and facilitated learning opportunities. This article reviews the literature and outlines a program designed to maximise these concepts in an evidence-based transition program. Proposed evaluation tools are identified for use throughout the program.
authors.affiliation: a The Education Centre, Royal Perth Hospital , Perth , Australia.
authors.forename: Jillian Elizabeth
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: a The Education Centre, Royal Perth Hospital , Perth , Australia.
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gillman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: facilitated learning; graduate programs; socialisation; support; transition programs