1. Chapter 1
Reality Shock

2. Transitions Discuss the concept of transitions
Identify the characteristics of reality shock
Compare and contrast the phases of reality shock
Identify times in your life when you have experienced a reality shock or role transition
Describe methods to promote a successful transition

4. Transitions in Nursing
What are transitions?
Passages/changes from one situation, condition or state to another over time
A lot of transitions occur at same time
Types
Developmental
Situational
Health-Illness
Organizational

5. Transitions in Nursing (cont’d)
What are important factors influencing transitions?
Understand from person’s perspective
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Transition desired?
Expectations realistic?

6. Transitions in Nursing
When you know what to expect, you can reduce your stress

8. What Is Reality Shock?
Reaction experienced when entering work force after years of preparation
Recent graduates are expected to be competent, capable nurses—without the experience
Increased acuity, combined with the nursing shortage, may leave you feeling depressed, insecure, and powerless

9. What Are the Phases of Reality Shock?
Honeymoon phase—no one watching over your shoulder (exciting phase)
Shock and rejection phase—when the bad days outnumber the good ones
Recovery phase—humor, decrease in tension
Work toward effecting a better solution through conflict resolution

10. Role Transformation
When does the role transition to graduate nurse begin?
Moving into novice role when you took your first nursing course!
At advance beginner at graduation

11. Role Transformation (cont’d)
How can I prepare myself for this transition process?
During last semester
No “mama management”
Realistic patient-care assignments/shifts
Perform instead of observing
Truth about real work setting
Look for problem-solving opportunities/practice critical thinking
Request constructive feedback
Request clinical experience in area of interest

12. What do I do ?!?!

13. Role Transformation (cont’d)
How can I prepare myself for a transition?
Think positively
Be flexible
Get organized
Stay healthy
Find a mentor
Find other new grads
Have some fun!
Know what to expect

14. Stay Organized

15. How Do You Measure Up? Excited and sincere about nursing?
Open-minded and willing to learn new ideas and skills?
Comfortable with your basic nursing skills?
Able to keep a good sense of humor?
Receptive to constructive criticism?
Able to express your thoughts and feelings?
Able to evaluate your performance and request assistance?

16. Some Rules to follow….

17. Rules of the Road Green light—yellow light—red light
Stop and take care of yourself
Detour—you will make mistakes
Curve ahead—get your life in order
Resume speed—maintain a positive attitude
Exit—Don’t burn any bridges with your job
School zone—plan to continue your education

18. Rules of the Road (cont’d)
Slow speed zone—take the time to get organized
Caution—if in doubt, check with another nurse
Roadside park ahead—take a break!

19. Advise