Aim: The aim of this study was to describe newly graduated nurses´(NGNs´) experience of work-integrated learning (WIL), from an educational and occupational perspective.

Background: NGNs often find themselves unprepared to meet occupational demands on their competence on entering working life, and express difficulties integrating educational theory into a practical context. Qualitative and effective WIL becomes particularly important for NGNs to develop the competence required to handle the transition from education to working life.

Design: This is a qualitative, descriptive study with an inductive approach.

Methods: Seven focus-group discussions were performed and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results: The results revealed that WIL for NGNs includes personal mastering of several professional roles: a self-directed and collaborative learning role, a relational nursing role, and a transition from a student role to a collegial role. Furthermore, WIL entails adapting to organisational requirements, including development of contextual workplace knowledge and understanding; striving for confidence in medical-technical performance; and developing an experience-based understanding of clinical situations.

Conclusion: The results reveal that WIL is complex, encompassing adaptation to roles and personal capabilities that increase new graduates´competence and preparation for work. In addition, WIL requires personal commitment to one’s own learning as well as organisational and social support.