Back for a January Pod! and a year of exciting and interesting podcasts to come!

On this episode: Student to qualified…Dealing with Transitional Shock

We speak to Kirsty who qualified as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) last year. Kirsty shares her experience during the transition from student to qualified practitioner, and the little discussed phenomena of transitional shock, defined as the period of time where the student integrates into solo clinical practice.

Kirsty anecdotally amongst her peers, found that many ODP practitioners experienced a tough period when they first qualified, the anxiety, self-doubt and pressures that eventually came to pass. But that is not the case for many healthcare professionals transitioning. Kirsty wanted to learn more about this seemingly ‘little discussed taboo’ and found a seminal piece of research undertaken that showed- in one large trust- attrition during this transition, saw a loss of nursing staff (between 30-60%) within the first year of qualification.

We explore Kirsty’s experiences and map them against known preceptorship programs to see what support should be available, and give valuable insights of what to expect during this time to help YOU transition as smoothly as possible! Top tips, factors that make a difference, and things to be aware of!

We discuss some interesting concepts, that could be started within Higher Education to see what impact we can have on this, and for those listening who are already qualified, this is a must listen! As we expose the key values, behaviours and support mechanisms that make a difference!

Listen for the game! Medical Would you rather...Transpore Tape for a tongue, or Tough-cut scissors for fingers? which did Kirsty choose, and what would you choose?

Web links from the show

Seminal Paper mentioned in the Podcast

Study by NHS trust (2021) 30-60% of nurses leave their first place of employment within the first year


Transitional Shock research paper

Ho (2021) Describes the transition from student to newly qualified as a ‘time of vulnerability’ Study found themes of transition shock, workplace factors and work/life balance

Left to Sink or Swim

Nursing Times (2022) . Study found widespread concern that NQ nurses were ‘thrown in at the deep end’ and ‘left to sink or swim’ with inadequate support.

Peer Mentoring to assist Staff Retention and Wellbeing

Our very own Assosiate Professor Dr Fiona Cust (childrens nursing). Work on the Buddy system and its impact on retention.

Peer mentoring to support staff well-being: lessons from a pilot

Pilot study focusing on buddy systems within peer to peer support for students "The Times Higher Education" Dr Fiona Cust and Dr Jessica Runnacres (Staffordshire University).

Principles of Preceptorship NMC

NMC framework for preceptorship for NMC (Nursing and Midwifery).

Principles of Preceptorship HCPC

Health and Care Professions Council framework for preceptorship for HCPC (Allied Health Professions).

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support contacts

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing studentwellbeing@staffs.ac.uk.

For our external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS mental heath services

Where to get help (including Crisis Line support)


Upcoming podcasts

Dealing with death: how different cultures manage loss.

Transgender as a service user: personal experiences.

Want to get involved?


Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Let's Pod!

Contact The Link podcast team: Twitter: @benw_h email: ben.woodrow-hirst@staffs.ac.uk Samuel O’Brian: Samuel.Obrian@staffs.ac.uk or Joe Natalello joseph.natalello@staffs.ac.uk


Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced & Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways