Critical Case Study: Supporting the New Graduate Nurse Entering Specialist Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice

Abstract

This critical case study was undertaken for the purposes of illuminating information relating to new graduate nurses’ experiences in their first clinical placement, in order to consider ways an established entry to practice programme (the programme) can better support and enhance the students’ transition from student nurse to staff nurse within psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Seven of the 1999 students of the programme participated in the research. The project provided the researcher with a variety of challenges related to her dual role as researcher and programme coordinator. Data was collected through the use of discussion groups, participants and researcher jointly identifying the themes that were explored. These themes related to preceptorship and support, socialisation of the new graduate and risk management. The research has provided rich data that has and will continue to be used to inform future developments within both the educational and clinical components of the programme. The research has also provided opportunities for personal and professional growth through the sharing of experiences and working together to identify emancipatory action which has in turn led to transformation.