PROJECT OVERVIEW
This research examines the transition experiences of New Starter Registered Nurses (NSRNs) working in regional and rural Australia (MM2–MM5). NSRNs are defined as registered nurses who are new to their current organisation within the first 12 months of employment, regardless of previous experience or qualifications.
NSRNs represent a growing and essential part of the regional and rural nursing workforce. While previous research has focused largely on new graduate nurses, the transition experiences of other categories of newly starting registered nurses in regional and rural settings remain under researched. This study aims to address this gap by exploring how NSRNs are supported during their transition, with the goal of informing strategies to improve retention and workforce sustainability.
PARTICIPATION PROCEDURE
You are invited to participate in an online survey if you are a New Starter Registered Nurse who commenced employment in a regional or rural health service within the past 12 months. After reviewing this information and providing consent, you will be directed to the survey. The survey will take approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. Participation in this study is voluntary and there is no payment, reimbursement, or other financial benefit for taking part.
BENEFITS AND RISKS
Potential benefits include:
• Contributing to research in an under studied area of regional and rural nursing
• Supporting the development of improved transition and support strategies for NSRNs
• Reflecting on your own transition experience, which may inform future career decisions
Potential risks:
• Minimal risk is anticipated. The primary consideration is the time required to complete the survey (approximately 15–20 minutes).
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your participation in Phase 1 (online survey) is confidential. The survey is anonymous and does not collect identifying information. If you choose to indicate interest in participating in Phase 2, you will be directed to a separate survey link to provide contact details. Phase 1 and Phase 2 responses are collected independently and cannot be linked.
Only the research team will have access to the data. You will not be identified in any reports, publications, or presentations arising from this study. Survey data (excluding contact details) will be securely stored for a minimum of 15 years after project completion, in accordance with the CQUniversity Code of Conduct for Research, and then securely destroyed.
OUTCOMES OF THE RESEARCH
This research will produce:
• Quantitative evidence describing the transition experiences of NSRNs in regional, rural, and remote settings
• Identification of key individual, organisational, and contextual factors influencing early transition and retention
• Findings from Phase 1 that will inform Phase 2 qualitative interviews with NSRNs and nurse leaders
• Evidence to support the development of targeted transition support strategies, workforce policies, and educational interventions
CONSENT
This study uses an online Qualtrics survey. Before starting the survey, you will be asked to confirm your consent electronically. Submitting the survey indicates your informed consent to participate in Phase 1.
Participation is voluntary. You may skip any question or withdraw from the survey before submission by closing your browser. Once submitted, responses cannot be withdrawn because the survey is anonymous. If you indicate interest in Phase 2, a separate consent process will be provided at that time.
RIGHT TO WITHDRAW
You may withdraw from the survey at any time before submission. Due to the anonymous nature of the survey, it will not be possible to withdraw responses after submission.
FEEDBACK
A short summary of the study findings written in plain English will be available on request. Please contact the Principal Investigator at L.Jose@cqu.edu.au.
QUESTIONS OR FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have any questions about this research, please contact:
Libin Jose (Principal Investigator) Email: L.Jose@cqu.edu.au
Pauline Calleja (Primary Supervisor) Email: P.Calleja@cqu.edu
CQU HREC contact details: If you have any ethical concerns about this research, you may also contact the Ethics Coordinator at the Office of Research on +61 7 4923 2603.
DISCLOSURE OF EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT ASSISTANCE
Professional organisations and social media platforms that share information about this study act only as recruitment channels and receive no payment or other benefit. Participation is voluntary, and choosing not to participate or withdrawing will not affect your employment, professional standing, or relationship with any organisation.
Ethics Approval Number: CQU HREC 26196
Closing Date: 17 January 2027