Background The transition from nursing student to newly qualified nurse is known to be challenging but research on the transition to children’s nurse is limited.

Aim To examine the experience of primary and secondary transitions among newly qualified children’s nurses and to identify effective support strategies for this staff group.

Method The study was supported by a literature review and conducted in a children’s hospital in Ireland in 2017. A descriptive survey methodology was used. Data were collected using a validated survey tool. The purposive sample encompassed 81 nurses who had qualified as children’s nurses from 2011 onwards.

Findings The transition to children’s nurse was found to be a complex but generally positive experience and to require robust support. Transition lasted beyond the first year of practice and the transition experience was similar for all participants, irrespective of whether they had undergone primary or secondary transition. Preceptorship, transition and orientation programmes were reported to be beneficial support strategies.

Conclusion Challenges are to be expected during transition and effective support strategies for new children’s nurses are needed, as is further research in this area.