ABSTRACT
AIM: The purpose of this study was to have a better understanding of the experiences of new nurse graduates in their work environment and the perceived stressors during their transition into the role of registered nurse. BACKGROUND: The National Student Nurses' Association conducts an annual survey of all its members who are new graduates in the months following graduation. METHOD: The study used a qualitative design on a sample of 1,456 responses. Participants provided typed-in responses. Responses were sorted and coded using constant comparison method. Three independent judges aggregated interpretations through consensus. RESULTS: The themes that emerged were related to respondents' attempts to find balance and reflected the stress of the environment, expectations on self, and interactions with others that affected them. CONCLUSION: New graduates describe their transitions to the role of new nurse in words that suggest that their workplace environments are extremely stressful.
