Student paramedic experience of transition into the workforce: A scoping review

•Graduate paramedic's initial experiences include “feeling out of my depth”.•Unsupportive workplace cultures have a negative impact on the new graduate.•Most graduates feel that they have not gained sufficient experience prior to employment.•Acceptance into the workplace culture allows access to valuable inside knowledge.•Traumatic events can be a springboard for personal growth or psychological decay.

SummaryObjectivesIn this article we present the findings from a scoping review that sought to identify what is known about the experiences of paramedic students transitioning into the workforce.BackgroundWithin the emergency healthcare sector, paramedics are primarily tasked with the assessment, treatment and safe transport of patients to hospital. New paramedics entering the workforce are exposed to the full extent of human emotion, injury and suffering as part of their everyday work. There is evidence from other healthcare disciplines that the transition to practice period can be difficult for new graduates.MethodsWe utilised Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage scoping review framework to identify what is known about the transition of paramedicine graduates to the workplace. The framework involves identifying relevant studies; study selection; charting the data; and collating, summarizing and reporting results.ResultsWe identified eleven articles that explored transition of newly qualified paramedics. Thematic content was identified and discussed into four separate categories. Each theme revealing the emotional, physical and social impacts new paramedics face as they strive to find acceptance in a new workplace and culture.ConclusionGiven the significant role that paramedics have in modern healthcare, the transition from student to practitioner is a period of significant stress to the new paramedic. Limited research in this field though inhibits a thorough understanding of these issues.