Introduction: Nurses have a significant responsibility for the care of people in any environment, which involves both independent work and collaboration to achieve good care. The nurse's role has traditionally been considered stressful due to the physical work, encountering human suffering, working hours, staffing, and interpersonal relationships that are an integral part of their work. As a result of the profession's specific nature and the large demands for responsibility towards patients, it is not always easy for newly graduated nurses to know what to expect.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe experiences of work environment-related stress during the transition period in the nursing profession in the first five years after graduation. The purpose is also to explore the factors that are perceived to influence these experiences of stress and to identify ways to reduce stress in this critical period.

Method: The study was set on a qualitative base where a literature review was conducted. A thematic analysis was then used to inductively code data and present themes that represent the study's results.

Results: The results are presented under main theme 1: A stressed and pressured work environment for the newly qualified nurse, with sub-themes: Workload and Perceived fragility regarding resources; and need for good colleagues and good leaders. For main theme 2: The pressure of high responsibility and high demands on the nurse, sub-themes were formed: Demands on knowledge and competence; and Stressful situations and conflict management.

Conclusion: The study examined newly graduated nurses' experiences at work during their first 1-5years in the profession. The results showed that the nurses experienced a high workload and often felt overwhelmed by their responsibilities. They also reported a lack of support from their superiors and colleagues and felt that they did not have sufficient resources to perform their work satisfactorily.