Calleja, Pauline, Kelly, Jenny, Yu, Stephen, Ryan, Colleen, Hiskens, Matthew, Roszak Burton, Linda, Graham, Lynette, Laker, Caroline, Knight, Pamela, and Cleary, Michelle (2026) Leading, Connecting, Coping: Nurses' Responses to Sustaining Well-being in Crisis Conditions. In: [Presented at the National Nursing Forum 2026]. From: National Nursing Forum 2026, 06-07 August 2026, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

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Abstract

Graduate nurses often enter the workforce feeling underprepared and disconnected, with traditional mandatory e‑learning providing limited interaction and little real‑world relevance. In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, effective onboarding must build clinical competence, confidence, and a sense of professional connection. Recognising this need, the organisation introduced a national, two‑day interactive orientation program designed to strengthen graduate preparedness and support a smoother transition to practice. This initiative aligns with the theme Power of Nurses in a Changing World by equipping new graduates with the collaborative capabilities, adaptability, and confidence required to navigate increasingly complex clinical systems.

Since January 2024, the organisation has delivered a standardised two‑day graduate orientation across all Australian states, engaging 496 graduates in 2024 and 415 in 2025. Each session is structured around a full patient journey and incorporates table‑top simulations, scenario‑based problem solving, and gamified learning to embed mandatory training content. Day 1 focuses on assessment, clinical deterioration, handover, and escalation, while Day 2 emphasises medication safety, teamwork, and critical thinking. The in‑person format also supports peer networking and psychological safety. Evaluation measures include end‑of‑program surveys assessing confidence, readiness, and engagement, as well as six‑ and twelve‑month retention tracking against previous cohorts.

Outcomes have been highly positive, with 95% of participants very satisfied or satisfied with the program. The patient journeys were especially impactful, with 91% reporting they strengthened confidence and readiness in areas such as handover, deterioration, documentation, and medication safety. Graduates strongly preferred the interactive, workplace‑based format over e‑learning, highlighting learning through play, connection, and real‑world relevance. Improved six‑month retention suggests the program is effectively supporting nurses in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Item ID:	94209
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2026 00:09
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420504 Mental health nursing @ 40% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420505 Nursing workforce @ 60%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2002 Evaluation of health and support services > 200299 Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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