OBJECTIVE: To know some experiences, of nurses recently graduated, in the transition from academia to the world of work. METHODS: It is a descriptive and exploratory study conducted with a sample of 31 professionals graduated in nursing courses in the period 2000-2004. RESULTS: The analysis and data interpretation identified three types of experiences (prejudice in the world of work, integration into the health work-team and factors that facilitate the transition to the world of work). CONCLUSION: The beginning of the professional activity, for nurses, could be marked by difficulties that generate anxiety. Meanwhile, the world of work can be enjoyable, rewarding and challenging, encouraging professionals to overcome challenges and constraints that arise from the profession education.
Work; Nursing education; Management of people