Experiences during The First Year of Practice among New Graduate Nurses

Abstract

Transition from student to staff nurse can be difficult for nurses beginning their nursing profession. Although literature supports the effectiveness of nurse residency program for the new nurses, there is no evidence in ASEAN countries on the implementation of nurse residency program. In order to provide nurse residency, it is important to know what they experience as they transition from student nurse to staff nurse. The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experiences during the first year of practice among new nurses in Thailand. A descriptive design using a survey questionnaire was used. This study took place at a 1500-bed tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. One hundred seventy eight new graduate nurses were participated. All participants completed the Thai version of Revised Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey. Findings reveal that new nurses felt uncomfortable to perform high risk skills such as code/emergency, ventilator care, EKG, and chest tube care. Organizing, prioritizing and communication were rated as difficult tasks during 12-month transition period. New nurses satisfied the benefit package they received from the institution, however, salary was lowest satisfied.