Exploring the Development of Early Career Nurses: Insights 4 Years After Graduation

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore how Early Career Nurses perceive their preparedness for nursing practice, the teaching and learning experiences, and the role of professional experience placements on their professional development.

Design

A qualitative study using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach.

Method

The study involved 25 Early Career Nurses who participated in follow-up interviews 4 years post-graduation in Australia between 2022 and 2024. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Thematic Analysis.

Results

Three key themes emerged: gaps in preparedness, the power of being embedded and too many balls to juggle. Participants indicated a mixed sense of preparedness with significant gaps in clinical skills. They emphasised the critical role of professional experience placements and mentorship to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Placements and mentorship opportunities were considered essential to develop confidence and competence for effective nursing practice.

Conclusion

The study highlights the necessity for nursing curricula to address significant gaps in clinical skills, particularly in surgical and emergency nursing. By incorporating more simulation-based learning, interprofessional education and robust mentorship programmes, nursing education can better prepare graduates for the realities of clinical practice. These enhancements will help ease the transition from academic training to clinical practice, reducing reality shock and fostering a more confident, competent and resilient nursing workforce.

Implications for the Profession

Nursing education must integrate more simulation-based learning and interprofessional education opportunities, which are crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that graduates are adequately prepared for the demands of clinical practice. Additionally, professional experience placements and mentorship should be prioritised to develop the confidence and competence for effective nursing practice.

Reporting Method

This study adheres to the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.