In short:

Your first year on the job will include supervision – hands-on support, guidance from mentors, supervised practice and reflection. Make the most of these opportunities to develop skills – to see learn and ask questions.

In your first year in the workplace, you can expect to be supervised and supported. Graduate programs and initiatives help you to transition from qualified novice to independent practitioner.

Terms you will hear:

orientation – introduction
preceptor – your allocated skills ‘coach’
mentor – senior person you can go to for support
supernumerary – shifts where you are extra to rostered staff
clinical supervision – a chance to discuss ethical and clinical challenges
reflective practice – a pause to think about your practice to learn and improve
supervised practice – directly or indirectly guided by an experienced peer
competency evaluations – to assess if you can safely perform a clinical task.

Preceptorship pairing

You should be paired with an experienced nurse or midwife (preceptor), who provides direct guidance, real-time coaching and role-models how things are done in the clinical area you are working. Your preceptor will change when you move clinical areas. They offer feedback to enhance skills, prioritise care, and improve decision-making, all of which is crucial. Preceptors physically watch, supervise, and guide graduates, especially when performing new or high-risk procedures, to ensure accuracy and competence. Your preceptor will likely complete competency evaluations along the way.

Mentorship programs

Having a mentor can help you with the stresses of your new profession. Usually senior or experienced nurses and midwives, they offer emotional and professional support, help to reduce stress-induced mistakes, reality shock.

If your workplace doesn’t offer mentorships, consider accessing the (free) Nurse & Midwife Support mentorship program

Supernumerary time and building your competence 

You should be rostered on for some supernumerary shifts when you first start. The number of shifts will vary depending on your workplace. This means you will work in addition to the regular ward staffing. This supernumerary time allows you to focus on learning where things are, how the ward flows while building confidence with clinical skills without the pressure of a full patient load. You may be given some patients during this time.

Direct supervision

This means you’re working alongside an experienced nurse or midwife who is physically present. They guide your care in real time, observe your practice and step in when needed to support safe, confident decision-making. You may also receive clinical facilitation, where a Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) or facilitator supports your learning, helps with complex situations and assesses your developing skills.

Indirect supervision

This is when supervisors are available to discuss care decisions and provide oversight. You are working more independently, but not alone. Experienced staff - such as your preceptor, graduate support team, educator or NUM - provide guidance, discuss your decisions and support you within your scope of practice.

Clinical supervision and debriefing

These are structured sessions and can be 1:1 or in a group setting. They are opportunities for you to discuss patient care, clinical or ethical conundrums in a safe environment. Here you can process your emotional responses and reflect on and learn from your experiences. Read our tip: Ask for clinical supervision.

Peer support

Some organisations have groups that allow grads to share experiences with each other or those who have recently finished their graduate years and build confidence, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety. If your new organisation does, join in and if it doesn't give us a call.