Being a newly qualified diagnostic radiographer: Learning to fly in the face of reality

Introduction
The phenomenon of role transition has been investigated by a range of differing professions over a range of time and utilising a range of different methodologies. It is acknowledged by all studies that the period of transition from student to practitioner is a challenging and at times a stressful experience, often culminating in the newly qualified practitioners experiencing the reality shock of practice. This paper explores one of the key subthemes ‘reality hits’ which was identified during a wider PhD study Being and Becoming a Diagnostic Radiographer.

Methods
A longitudinal study was utilised employing an interpretive phenomenological methodology, collating data from nine participants during their first year as a newly qualified diagnostic radiographer. Each participant was interviewed at three months, six months and twelve months.

Results
Six main themes were identified. This paper explores the subtheme ‘reality hits’ which strongly featured in the three and six month interviews.

Conclusion
Eight of the nine participants found the first three to six months a stressful and emotional time. The experience of the graduates during this time raises issues which need to be used to inform future curriculum development, practice placement models and support strategies.