my maxima is hesitating to go into second gear when acclerating on the gas.

if you have bad mounts this could cause that and several other issues

Many of the maximas with a five speed automatic, those transmission have problems with the transmission valve body, very common problem.

Agree with PLC Auto they do have auto trans problems ensure trans oil level is OK and clean. Maximas also have had front engine mount failures as well, front of engine torques upward as the drive train gets "loaded".