Abstract Aim To further develop and validate a new model of the early career transition pathway in the speciality of community nursing. Design Delphi policy approach, guided by a previous systematic review and semi‐structured interviews. Methods Four rounds of an expert panel (N = 19). Rounds one, two and four were questionnaires consisting of a combination of closed (Likert response) and open‐ended questions. Round three comprised of a focus group conducted using virtual meeting technology. Results The final model demonstrated reliable and valid measures. There were deficiencies in “pre‐entry”—where the marketing of community nursing was negligible and the support around orientation informal and minimal, mainly due to tight budgetary concerns. Community practice holds a whole new dimension for nurses transitioning from acute care as the concept of “knowing your community” took time and support—time to be accepted reciprocally and develop a sense of belonging to the community.
