Out in the real world: newly graduated nurses in acute-care speak out

Resources are being spent to develop and implement strategies to attract and retain staff. To further our understanding of work environment factors that affect these issues, the author asked five nurses to reflect on their first 6 months as professional nurses. The author's study provides insight into, and enhances understanding of, recruitment and retention issues for nursing administrators who serve as gatekeepers to the practice orientations and ongoing workplace environments of new nursing graduates.