Abstract
While nursing leaders play an important role in supporting new nurse graduates during their transition period, few studies have explored the perceptions of nursing leaders involved in transition support programs. A study was undertaken to explore the nursing leadership teams' perceptions of their role and the benefits and challenges of the Genesis Transition Support Program for New Nurse Graduates at McGill University Healthcare Centre, Quebec, Canada.
A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 12 nursing leaders from September to October 2013. Data analysis revealed 3 main themes regarding nursing leaders' role within the program: planning for the seminar, providing active learning opportunities and supporting new nurse graduates by listening, understanding, helping, and building stronger relationships. The program is largely associated with an enhanced experience of new nurse graduates transitioning into their professional role and has a positive impact on new nurse graduates, nursing leaders, and their individual nursing units.