Embracing the Difference Caring Makes: Implementing Caring Groups in a New Graduate Orientation Program

New graduate nurses face many obstacles as they enter a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Newly licensed registered nurses are expected to assume the role of professional nurse while giving excellent care to patients and their families. To decrease their stress and decrease the cost of turnover, a hospital within a large healthcare system in the southeast implemented a residency program. The program encompassed caring groups to provide mentorship and collegial support and to facilitate a smooth transition into nursing practice. An interpretive phenomenological approach analyzed experiences of new graduates participating in caring groups. The findings support caring groups to assist new graduates' entrance into the role of professional nurse. Results may provide guidance for healthcare institutions in implementing similar programs.