'They survive despite the organizational culture, not because of it': a longitudinal study of new staff perceptions of what constitutes support during the transition to an acute tertiary facility.

Increasing difficulties of recruitment and retention of nursing staff strongly indicate that organizations should identify factors that contribute to successful transition of new staff to the workplace. Although many studies have identified problems facing new staff, fewer studies have articulated best practices. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to ascertain what new staff perceived as supportive elements implemented by the organization to assist their integration. Sixteen staff in Phase I and 12 staff in Phase II attended focus groups. The focus groups at 2-3 months provided specific information, with particular emphasis on negative interactions with other staff members and inadequate learning assistance and support. Different themes emerged within the focus groups at 6-9 months. Staff discussed being 'self-reliant' and 'getting to know the system'. Participants indicated that these skills might be beneficial to new staff in the development of organizational 'know how' and resourcefulness, rather than relying on preceptor support that, unfortunately, cannot be always guaranteed.