After the graduate year: A phenomenological exploration of how new nurses develop their knowledge and skill over the first 18 months following graduation

Abstract

Aim This study sought to explore how new nurses develop their knowledge and skill over the first 18 months following graduation, as well as factors promoting or inhibiting their development. Background and Purpose The graduate year requires the new nurse to make the transition from student in an academic setting to nurse employed within the health workforce. To facilitate the transition, many public and private hospitals in Australia offer formalised twelve-month duration graduate nurse programs that provide graduates with rotations through a number of clinical areas; preceptor support; and study days. Initially twenty five participants were followed for a period of eighteen months, incorpor..