Graduate nurse experiences of support: A review

• GNs continue to report high levels of stress.
• Supportive environments that provide supervision are essential.
• Adequate support for GNs leads to increased confidence and job satisfaction.
• Feedback is particularly important for GNs however the amount varies greatly.
• Research into the feedback experiences of GNs is needed.

SummaryThe first year of practice as a nurse is recognized as stressful. Graduate nurses (GNs) report gaps in their education, reality shock, burnout and other negative experiences that influence their intentions to remain in nursing. Objectives: The aim of this literature review was to gain a greater understanding of the experiences of GNs. Review methods: It included thirty-six articles that focused on GNs and their transition to nursing, as part of a graduate nurse program (GNP), from 2005 to present. Result: The review identified three main themes that influence the transition from student to registered nurse. These themes included, 1) feeling stressed and overwhelmed by nursing responsibilities, 2) the amount of support from senior nurses and 3) the importance of feedback on their performance as nurses. Conclusions: Further research that is focused on the support and feedback provided to new nurses is needed.