Aim This study explored the achievement of workplace capabilities synonymous with nursing practice. It investigated progressive development of workplace performance, against requisite standards of practice, of corresponding cohorts of student nurses during their final year placement and registered nurses during their graduate year, in south-eastern Queensland, Australia.

Background A capable nursing workforce is vital for the provision of safe, quality health care. Internationally, the literature discusses the breadth of capacities required for the practice of nursing. A perennial challenge is comprehensive pre-registration education that ensures new graduate nurses meet standards for practice to provide comprehensive care.

Methods A quantitative evaluation design was used to assess the progressive development of workplace performance of both student nurses across their final year placement (n = 214) and graduate nurses in their first nine months (n = 197). Capabilities of both cohorts were assessed using the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT), based on Australian registered nurses’ standards for practice that has demonstrated utility and validity for both students and graduates.

Results A total of 642 student assessments and 409 graduate nurse assessments were used for analysis. Findings revealed congruence in weaknesses in workplace performance for both students and graduates. Students and graduates consistently rated lowest in capabilities pertaining to high cognitive tasks that involved analysing data and modifying plans. Of interest, completing comprehensive, systematic assessments was stronger in students than in graduates.

Conclusion This is the first comparable quantitative study exploring the progressive development of students and graduate nurses’ workplace performance aligned to nursing practice standards. Questions of limitations throughout educational learning experiences during industry placement are raised in these findings. Furthermore, it is proposed that educational approaches be organised to address areas identified as weakest on graduation as these are most evident in initial employment. This research explicates a largely undefined area of nursing practice that can inform undergraduate learning priorities.