The practice readiness and professionalism of new graduates are topics that generate lively discussion among nurse leaders in academic and practice settings. Although the phenomena of reality shock1 has been acknowledged as part of the new graduate transition for decades, evidence suggests that the problems with transition into practice are more serious today. New graduates can take their licensing examination within weeks of graduation and enter practice as fully licensed professional nurses almost immediately.
1Susan Dyess, PhD, RN, is project director at the Novice Nurse Leadership Institute at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida
2Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, is director of the Nursing Leadership Institute at the university
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