Experiences of graduate registered nurses in aged care: A case study

The number of Registered Nurses (RNs) working in aged care is declining, with few new RNs choosing aged care in their graduate year. This paper describes a study exploring 11 female graduate RNs' experiences of working in an aged care setting in Victoria, Australia to assist in informing recruitment and retention strategies in aged care. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and thematically analysed using open coding. This paper presents fi ndings related to the themes of 'free choice or allocated to aged care' 'reasons for graduate choices', 'nature of aged care: a match or mismatch for graduates', 'lack of professional support for graduate RNs in aged care' and 'role confusion'. Findings supported the recruitment of graduate RNs with an initial interest in aged care into the sector. A clearer defi nition of the new graduate RN's role in aged care and a standardised graduate program may assist in increasing retention of such nurses in the future.