Fit for practice? An exploration of the development of newly qualified nurses using focus groups

Ward managers appear to have low expectations of the newly qualified while 'new' nurses themselves believe that they are expected to be able to fulfil tasks that they feel ill-equipped to undertake, emphasising the need for appropriate support to enable them to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence and enable independent practice.

Abstract

Ward managers appear to have low expectations of the newly qualified while 'new' nurses themselves believe that they are expected to be able to fulfil tasks that they feel ill-equipped to undertake. This emphasises the need for appropriate support to enable them to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence and enable independent practice. While staff development programmes benefit some, others gain equal value from supportive preceptorship in helping them to develop the clinical and managerial skills necessary in today's healthcare climate.