A Double Whammy! New Baccalaureate Nurse Graduates' Transition Into Rural Acute Care

Abstract

Some new baccalaureate nurse (BN) graduates will transition into rural acute care nursing. While Canadian (CA) and international studies about new degree and diploma nurses’ transition have been conducted, findings were based on data from urban or mixed rural–urban samples. Consequently, little is known about new degree nurses’ transition into rural environments. Exploring this phenomenon is timely in light of high CA registered nurse (RN) retirement rates and low new RN retention rates in rural communities. An interpretive description study involving face-to-face interviews with 12 new Alberta BN graduates was conducted. Constant comparative data analytic techniques revealed an overarching theme of A DOUBLE WHAMMY! and two nondiscrete interconnected subthemes: I’M A GENERALIST! and I’M IT! The experience was An Emotional Roller Coaster Up! Down! influencing The Decision: Stay? Go? These findings can inform future research and rural educational, policy, and practice strategies aimed at recruiting and retaining new nurses.