The Value of Transition Support Programs for Newlyregistered Nurses: Purposes, Outcomes, Strengths, and Weaknesses

The perceived value of transition support programsfor registered nurses was reported. Two groups ofregistered nurses, new graduates and experiencednurses formed the participants. Data were collectedfrom sources including printed materials madeavailable by employing hospitals. Questionnaires,interviews and observations were used to determinethe purposes, outcomes and strengths and weaknessesof the programs. There was widespread belief thatsome aspects of nurse education at university wereinadequate. The programs were used to provide stafffor the less popular areas of the hospital as well asa variety of experiences and skill developmentopportunities that were considered lacking in theundergraduate education of nurses. The workenvironments were described as difficult with nursesexposed to violence and bullying practices fromfellow staff. The hospitals also used the program toexert a controlling influence over the new graduatenurse by way of roster management, assessment ofskills and the expectation that each nurse wouldcomplete a transition support program before beingoffered full time work.