The Weight of the First Year: The Impact of Negative Experiences for Early-Career Nurses and Midwives—A Long-Term Risk for Trauma, Burnout and Professional Attrition

: Ensuring that first-year experiences are positive, supportive, and rewarding is crucial for new nurses and midwives. When this period is marked by trauma, emotional distress can escalate, leading to burnout and an increased likelihood of professional attrition. Supporting graduates' well-being and addressing their individual needs during these formative years is essential for workforce sustainability.