Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the transition-to-practice experience of new-graduate nurses (NGNs) in long-term-care (LTC) settings.
BACKGROUND: Transitioning to professional practice is a challenging time for an NGN. This experience is scarcely described for RNs outside of acute care settings and not described for the LPN.
METHODS: A qualitative case study was used to explore the described transition-to-practice experience of new-graduate RNs and LPNs in LTC.
RESULTS: This study revealed that the transition-to-practice experience of new-graduate LPNs was similar to the experience described by RNs. Differences in experience were related to leadership roles in the setting.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings contribute to new understanding of the experience of the NGN in LTC settings. This study reinforces the need for greater support for nursing graduates in this setting.