Summary
This article is titled “Succeeding in the First Year of Practice” and it is authored by Genevieve Chandler who has a Ph.D. in nursing. According to the author of this article, the process of transitioning from a nursing student to a nurse is ‘traumatic, shocking, and confusing for most individuals (Chandler, 2012). Consequently, the difficulties in the nurses transitioning process have led some novice practitioners to ‘fail’ in their first jobs or abandon their chosen profession altogether. This article presents a framework that can be useful in easing the transition for student nurses. The article also draws on the experiences of veteran nurses and uses them to advise new practitioners.
Reflection
This study revealed that the nurses who succeeded in their first year of practice did so because other nurses were there for them (Chandler, 2012). Drawing from my personal experience during my first day of nursing, I am in agreement with the findings of this study. My initial interaction with my preceptor was motivating because she made it clear that she would ‘be there for me’. It is also prudent to assume that if my preceptor had not expressed support for me during my first day, I would have had a negative perception of my vocational choice. The article notes that it takes about nine months for a new nurse to gain sound proficiency. Consequently, I intend to take my transitional process in a stride.
Reference
Chandler, G. E. (2012). Succeeding in the first year of practice: heed the wisdom of novice nurses. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 28(3), 103-107.