Experiences of New Graduate Registered Nurse Transitioning To Clinical Practice in an EverChanging Health Care Environment

Running head: EXPERIENCES OF NEW GRADUATE REGISTERED NURSE 1
Experiences of New Graduate Registered Nurse Transitioning To Clinical Practice in an Ever-
Changing Health Care Environment
Name
Institution

EXPERIENCES OF NEW GRADUATE REGISTERED NURSE 2
Abstract
New graduate Registered Nurses are faced with multiple challenges in their efforts of transiting
from the world of academia into the real environments of clinical practice. The challenges
presented by their workplace environments impose detrimental effects on these novices’ ability
to transition into practice in a successful way. The current study undertakes a critical analysis of
the experiences presented to new graduate RNs as they transit into clinical practice in the ever
changing healthcare environment. based on the analysis new nursing graduates reveal some
levels of inadequacy in their levels of preparedness; an aspect that accounts for the stressful and
problematic procedures experienced by these practitioners as they convert from student to
novice stakeholders in the healthcare industry. The research identifies workplace bullying, stress
and fatigue, increasing number of patients with chronic conditions and an increase in workload
as the major challenges faced by new graduate Registered Nurses when transitioning into clinical
practice. The scholarly material acts as an informative blueprint aimed at guiding new graduate
RNs on the most effective mechanisms of fostering effective transfer of skills acquired by these
practitioners from the world of academia into clinical practice with the aim of attaining the
desired outcomes. A part from the hindrances identified, the commentary plays a pivotal role in
presenting the strategies to be adopted by the stakeholders in the Australian health sector to
ensure that a positive environment is created to foster successful transitions and positive
experiences among graduate novices as they move from the world of academia to clinical
practice.
Keywords: graduate Registered Nurse, transition, experiences, challenges

EXPERIENCES OF NEW GRADUATE REGISTERED NURSE 3
Experiences of New Graduate Registered Nurse Transitioning To Clinical Practice in an Ever-
Changing Health Care Environment
Introduction
The global healthcare environment is ever changing. However, Hoffler and Thomas
(2016) reveal that the need for qualified nurses remains unchanged due to the increasing shortage
in the supply of these critical stakeholders in the medical system. According to Waddell
Spalding, Navarro, Jancar, and Canizares (2015), new graduate nurses entering into clinical
practice are faced with the immense pressure of operating in an environment that calls for
inclusion of lean processes with higher levels of efficiencies. On the other hand, Reem, Kitsantas
and Maddox (2014) demystify that new graduate registered nurses (RNs) transitioning into
clinical practice are faced with critical organizational issues such as diminishing fiscal
compensation, a tighter regulatory regime, and an upsurge in demand for medical services.
Comparatively, Sheppard-Law, Curtis, Bancroft, Smith and Fernandez, (2018) explain that the
demand for new graduate RNs continues to increase as a result of exponential population
growths, an aging workforce, an upsurge in the number of patients with chronic ailments and
inclusion of medical insurance covers targeting the populations that were previously classified as
uninsured and underinsured. However, RNs transitioning from the world of academia into
practice are faced with multiple challenges in their efforts of adapting to the conditions availed
by their environments of practice. The current study seeks to undertake a critical analysis of the
experiences presented to new graduate RNs as they transit into clinical practice in the ever
changing healthcare environment.

EXPERIENCES OF NEW GRADUATE REGISTERED NURSE 4
Significance of the Issue
The current study plays a significant role in reviewing the challenges faced by new
graduate RNs when transitioning to practice in the healthcare environment that is ever-changing.
According to Schroyer, Zellers and Abraham (2016), new nursing graduates reveal some levels
of inadequacy in their levels of preparedness; an aspect that accounts for the stressful and
problematic procedures experienced by these practitioners as they convert from student to novice
stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Mooring (2016) identifies this as a global challenge that
results into an increase in the rates of shortage and attrition. The demand for graduate RNs in the
Australian healthcare system is attributed to the country’s rapid population growth, a rapid
growth in the aging population and an increase in the number of people diagnosed with chronic
sicknesses.
Further, the study acts as an informative blueprint aimed at guiding new graduate RNs on
the most effective mechanisms of fostering effective transfer of skills acquired by these
practitioners from the world of academia into clinical practice with the aim of attaining the
desired outcomes. Missen, McKenna and Beuchamp (2016) explain that the ever-changing
operational environment, dynamisms in the Australian healthcare system and fiscal issues have
imposed multiple challenges among nurses transitioning from student to novice practitioners. By
reviewing these challenges, the study will not only be of great essence in advising new graduate
RNs on the most effective ways of fostering readiness but also act as a reference material for
stakeholders in the field of nursing education such as nurse program coordinators on the most
appropriate ways of preparing their students for the demands presented in the field.