Abstract
BackgroundForensic mental health nursing is a specialised practice area. Graduate programs are essential for recruitment and retention. There have, however, been very few studies exploring forensic mental health graduate programs. AimThe aim of this study was to explore the experience of graduate nurses who completed a 2-year graduate program in a forensic mental health service in the state of Victoria Australia, and the nurses who support the graduates in the program. MethodsAn exploratory study was conducted gathering data via one-to-one interviews, with purposive sample of 20 forensic mental health nurses. FindingsAnalysis resulted in the interpretation of two themes; essential ingredients and ‘hitting hurdles’. DiscussionGraduate nurses commence with limited knowledge, experience challenges, and organisational pressures. ConclusionTransition to practice was enhanced with consistent support, university education, and program structure.
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