Experiences of registered nurses in a general practice-based new graduate program: a qualitative study
Susan McInnes
A C , Elizabeth Halcomb A , Karen Huckel B and Christine Ashley A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
B South Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Bolger Street, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: smcinnes@uow.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 25(4) 366-373 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY19089
Submitted: 23 April 2019 Accepted: 19 June 2019 Published: 25 September 2019
Abstract
Nurses are increasingly needed in primary healthcare settings to support community-based healthcare delivery. Programs to facilitate transition of new graduate nurses are well established in acute care; however, there are few similar programs reported in settings like general practice. This paper sought to explore the experiences of new graduate registered nurses and their registered nurse mentors in a new graduate program within Australian general practice. New graduates (n = 9) and their mentors participated in interviews before, during and at the conclusion of a 12-month new graduate program. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim before being analysed using thematic analysis. Eighteen new graduate and 10 mentor interviews were conducted, revealing four themes. Preparation and Opportunities describes the influence that pre-registration education had on preparing nurses for general practice employment. Exceeding Expectations highlights the positive experiences within the program. Program Challenges draws attention to the difficulties experienced by participants, and Future Career Intentions explores future career plans. This study highlights that a general practice new graduate nurse program has the potential to build the workforce. However, strengthening undergraduate preparation of nurses around primary health care and addressing funding issues in general practice, are important to promote the success of such programs.
Additional keywords: clinical practice, education, nursing, primary care, transition, workforce.
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