Sök artiklar i SveMed+

Tidskrift

Sammanfattning

This article is based on findings from a master’s thesis submitted under the MA programme in Learning and Innovative Change at Aalborg University, Copenhagen. Newly qualified nurse experiences of the transition from studying to working practice were studied by means of five interviews, questionnaires and document analyses. All of the nurses participated in the Danish Nurses’ Organization’s preceptorship scheme, which is designed to ease this transition. The study reveals the paradox that newly qualified nurses are obliged to assume responsibility for conditions beyond their capability. The lack of support from fellow professionals in the work setting and the experience of not being capable of meeting expectations result in anxiety attacks, sickness absences and job despondency. The initial period is characterised by many and frequent job changes and continuing education appears to be the safe exit out of a difficult start. The nurses had a good, successful track record in education and training behind them. They appeared to have learnt to excel as students, but not to excel as practitioners. The article contributes to the discourse on how to take account of the difficult transition in the forthcoming reform of Danish nurse education.

MeSH