QCD 310: Critical Analysis of Graduate Nurse Transition Experiences

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QCD 310
Assessment item: Critique
Student name: Surname, Given name + (Preferred name)
Student number: …………………………..
Tutor: Liz Lemon
Due date: Thursday 29th March
In the article “New graduate nurses’ experiences in their first year of practice” (2012), Vicki
Parrker, Michelle Giles, Gena Lantry and Margaret McMillan focused on evaluating the
experiences of first year nurses while their early year of practice in clinical field after
graduation. This research is aimed at exploring the attitude and opinion of graduate nurses
regarding their early practice experiences. Vicki et al, (2012) stated that the experiences of

nurses in their early years of practice in clinical workplace impacts their future career
directions, job satisfaction and retention. The study was conducted as a cross sectional survey
and focus groups involving the first year graduate nurses from NSW Australia. This article is
compiled by four extremely qualified and experienced academics that were successful in
identifying the gaps in literature present regarding the transition period and its impact on
future career of nurse graduates. The requirement for valuable research in the field was
identified so this study adds up to specific benefit to this area of concern. The study used
qualitative cross sectional method by including online survey and focus groups involving the
cohort of newly graduated nurses from NSW Australian hospitals in 2008. The survey required
300 participants and was formulated from a literature review including questions regarding the
current employment, demographics, prior nursing experience, nature of current employment,
career aspiration, nature of transition, job experience, confidence in practice, and satisfaction.
The Likert scale was used to rate the satisfaction, experience and confidence level. Focus group
questions were based on the transition experiences of graduate nurses for similar criteria and
participants were sought from six rural and metropolitan regions. 55 graduate nurses
participated in 7 focus groups with informed consent. The article helps in filling the overall gap
in literature regarding the issue but it has certain basic limitations that were identified as the
bias was incorporated while the online invitations were focused at only host nurses at hospitals
and who were at duty at time. Extensive geographical spread was not possible due to time
limitation, cost and distance issues. As well the sample size was not adequate to provide
generalized findings for evaluating experiences of nurses in practice. This article will help
broadening the scope of future researches and this is also supported conclusion from Vicki et al,
(2012). Overall this article will help the new graduates to evaluate transition phase at their
workplace. There were findings that concluded the rewarding, enjoyable experiences of new
graduates at the workplace with motivational learning outcomes. Hence there is yet the need
to explore and introduce range of evidenced based approaches to empower nurses and provide
approach that follows equitable and retentive environment for new graduated.

REFERENCE
Vicki. P, Michelle. G, Gena. L, Margaret. M,(2012). “New graduate nurses' experiences in their
first year of practice .”Nursing Education Today.