New Graduate RNs' Perceptions of Transitioning to Professional Practice After Completing Ontario's New Graduate Guarantee Orientation Program

BACKGROUND: By 2022, Canada will be short 60,000 RNs. Contributing to this shortage are difficulties experienced by new graduate RNs (NGRNs) transitioning to professional practice. METHOD: This grounded theory study explored NGRNs' transition experiences in the 12 months after completing Ontario's New Graduate Guarantee orientation program. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 NGRNs on the Nursing Resource Team in one urban Ontario academic hospital network. RESULTS: Discovering Professional Self described NGRNs' transition as progressive, with transitory setbacks. In the early part of the transition, NGRNs experienced Surviving Without a Safety Net, which involved Experiencing Fear, Figuring It Out, and Learning on the Job. In the later part of transition, the NGRNs experienced Turning of the Tables, which involved Being Trusted, Gaining Confidence, and Feeling Comfortable in their professional role. CONCLUSION: Recommendations focus on educational strategies to enhance the NGRNs' transition experience.