Journey of Role transition from student to staff nurse in Pakistan

The research delineates a substantive theory on role transition in a Pakistani context. It describes the experiences of the fresh graduate nurse entering into a role of staff nurses in a private university teaching hospital. The journey of role transition begins with both excitement and anxiety, however through proper mentoring and preceptorship ends up into a smooth role adjustment. Findings reveal various physical, psychological and spiritual experiences and needs of novice nurses working in the nursing units. The research serves as a valuable guide for formulating effective orientation programs and competency based orientation modules for the fresh graduate nurses entering into the profession. Effective transition results in reducing turnover among nurses and improved retention. Moreover, it enhances the quality care and work satisfaction among nurses working in the hospital settings.