A qualitative exploration of orientation: perceptions of novice nurses

Orientation to novice nurses' first work experience marks the beginning of a very important part of their transition experience from student to practicing nurse. This naturalistic inquiry explores the experiences of seven novice nurses who have recently completed an orientation program for their first work experience. Participants in this study were employed in five different hospitals in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The novice nurses graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree in 2010 or 2011. A voice-centered relational method was used for data analysis. Most of the novice nurses felt prepared to assume the role of the nurse following the completion of the orientation program. Previous experiences during nursing school played an important role in how prepared novice nurses felt to begin their first work experience. Support from multiple mentors and co-workers were instrumental to the novice nurse transition experience. The findings of this research have implications for nursing practice, education and administration. Partnerships between schools of nursing and health care institutions with regards to the curriculum and selection of clinical placements for novice nurses can address many of the issues identified