A narrative exploration: experienced nurses' stories of working with new graduates

Experienced nurses are repeatedly asked to mentor and to work with new graduate nurses in intensely busy hospital environments. To gain an understanding of experienced nurses' perspectives of working with new graduates, eight nurses were interviewed from two hospitals in Eastern Canada. Narrative analysis revealed that experienced nurses prepared in advance for new graduates' arrival and felt their workload increased when new graduates actually began to practice. Experienced nurses expressed verbal support for new graduates and yet their stories did not all reflect supportive comments. Themes identified were New Graduates Are Coming, Keeping Us on Our Toes, and Carrying the Load. Findings provide valuable information to help nurses, educators, and managers gain a new understanding of what it is like for experienced nurses working with new graduates. There are important implications for managers in how to support experienced nurses as they work alongside new nurses.