BACKGROUND: Nursing shortages, increased patient acuity, and early discharges have increased demands on newly graduated nurses. At the same time, financial constraints have curtailed orientation programs. METHOD: Open-ended interviews were conducted with 11 nurses employed in acute care settings at 3 months following graduation. RESULTS: New nurses defined their work as a set of skills and attended to procedural aspects of care. Most lacked the capacity for helpful communications with patients and families. They relied heavily on routines learned from experienced nurses. CONCLUSION: At 3 months, new graduates are apprehensive about their work. Approaches to nursing are largely procedural and guided by the routines of senior colleagues.
BACKGROUND: Nursing shortages, increased patient acuity, and early discharges have increased demands on newly graduated nurses. At the same time, financial constraints have curtailed orientation programs. METHOD: Open-ended interviews were conducted with 11 nurses employed in acute care settings at 3 months following graduation. RESULTS: New nurses defined their work as a set of skills and attended to procedural aspects of care. Most lacked the capacity for helpful communications with patients and families. They relied heavily on routines learned from experienced nurses. CONCLUSION: At 3 months, new graduates are apprehensive about their work. Approaches to nursing are largely procedural and guided by the routines of senior colleagues.