Transition to Practice: The Lived Experience of New Graduate Nurses in Early Solo Flight

This qualitative study is based on individual interviews with 15 new graduate nurses during their first few months of independent practice. Three themes emerged from the data that reflected their lived experience: feeling overwhelmed, navigating work-based relationships, and finding their flow. Nursing professional development specialists who work with these newly independent nurses are uniquely situated to offer ongoing educational support and to conduct evidence-based conversations with them about the transition to practice.