The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the impact of the interplay between workplace and developmental factors that enable and disable thriving within the first year of nursing practice.While much is known about the high attrition rates among new graduate nurses, little research has explored the impact of interplay between workplace stressors and developmental assets.Through a basic qualitative study, eight novice nurses underwent three in-depth interviews.The interplay between workplace factors and development factors such as congruence and self-compassion had a significant impact on the participants' ability to effectively manage workplace stimuli.Those lacking developmentally were more likely to perceive workplace stimuli as threatening, which had a significant impact on the ability to self-actualize as a novice nurse. Therefore, the role of interplay is significant in determining why some merely survive versus those who thrive, despite similar work environments.A greater understanding of the impact of the role of interplay will inform transition programs by enabling nurse leaders to cater to the unique needs of new graduates as they step over the threshold of professional practice.