The perceived value of transition support programs for registered nurses was reported. Two groups of registered nurses, new graduates and experienced nurses formed the participants. Data were collected from sources including printed materials made available by employing hospitals. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to determine the purposes, outcomes and strengths and weaknesses of the programs. There was widespread belief that some aspects of nurse education at university were inadequate. The programs were used to provide staff for the less popular areas of the hospital as well as a variety of experiences and skill development opportunities that were considered lacking in the undergraduate education of nurses. The work environ-ments were described as difficult with nurses exposed to violence and bullying practices from fellow staff. The hospitals also used the program to exert a controlling influence over the new graduate nurse by way of roster management, assessment of skills and the expectation that each nurse would complete a transition support program before being offered full time work.