New Graduates' Perceptions of Clinical Practice

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Abstract
This study describes the stresses and challenges experienced by graduate nurses in clinical practice during their initial orientation period and examines the relationship of social support to these stresses. Thirty-five graduate nurses completed a modified Pagana Clinical Stress Questionnaire and social support measure during their orientation period. The graduates experienced a moderate degree of stress in their orientation. Stresses identified most frequently were: lack of experience as a nurse, interactions with physicians, lack of organizational skills and new situations and procedures. Although orientation was stressful, when describing emotions experienced during this period, graduates reported positive emotions most frequently. Pearson correlation revealed no significant relationship between social support and stress. Significant correlations were found, however, between social support and stimulation in clinical practice (r = 57, p = .001) and development of self-confidence (r = 39, p = .029). Findings highlighted the important role of the preceptor during orientation.