This systematic review demonstrates the beneficial effects of transitional support strategies for newly qualified nurses from the perspective of the new nurse and their employer. The overall impact of support strategies appears positive, irrespective of the type of support provided. This may suggest that it is the organisations' focus on new graduate nurses that is important, rather than simply leaving them to acclimatise to their new role themselves. Future research should involve well designed randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes, using more objective and reliable outcome measures.

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Nurses' understanding of aseptic technique and the concepts of sterility and cleanliness is inadequate, a finding in line with results of previous studies. This knowledge gap potentially places patients at risk. Nurses' understanding of the principles of asepsis could be improved. Further studies should establish the generalizability of the study findings. Possible improvements include renewed emphasis during initial nurse education, greater opportunity for updating knowledge and skills post-qualification, and audit of practice.

Clinical support: Clinical mentorship (with an experienced mentor selected by the new graduate nurse). Clinical learning exchanges, coordinated by area based clinical educators, providing novice nurses with an opportunity to rotate through multiple patient care areas specific to their patient population. Unit based nursing preceptors trained for the role Clinical placement: Various units: medical and surgical services, neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit.

Clinical support: Clinical mentorship (with an experienced mentor selected by the new graduate nurse). Clinical learning exchanges, coordinated by area based clinical educators, providing novice nurses with an opportunity to rotate through multiple patient care areas specific to their patient population. Unit based nursing preceptors trained for the role Clinical placement: Various units: medical and surgical services, neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit.