Newly qualified staff nurses' perceptions of the role transition

It is demonstrated that there is a need for support during the transition phase from student to newly qualified staff nurse and it is recommended that a structured preceptorship programme on qualification is essential.

Abstract

This article describes the findings of a research project that explored the perceptions of staff nurses (who had been qualified for a maximum of 1 year) on the role transition from student nurse to newly qualified staff nurse. A convenience sample of six staff nurses employed by one NHS trust was studied. Data were collected by using audiotaped semistructured interviews. The findings revealed that the transition phase from student nurse to staff nurse is a fraught time and that a perceived lack of knowledge and support during the transition phase was a major cause of anxiety. The research has demonstrated that there is a need for support during the transition phase from student to newly qualified staff nurse. It is recommended that a structured preceptorship programme on qualification is essential (UKCC, 1999).