THRIVEable work environments: A study of interplaying factors that enable novice nurses to thrive

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Organizational Psychology
• Professional Development

Background:

• High attrition rates among new graduate nurses are a persistent issue.
• Limited research exists on the combined impact of workplace stressors and developmental assets on novice nurses.
• Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for supporting early-career nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how workplace and developmental factors influence thriving in the first year of nursing practice.
• To identify enabling and disabling elements within the novice nurse experience.
• To understand the role of interplay between environmental and personal factors.

Main Methods:

• A basic qualitative study design was employed.
• Eight novice nurses participated in the research.
• Three in-depth interviews were conducted with each participant.

Main Results:

• The interplay between workplace and developmental factors, including congruence and self-compassion, significantly influenced how participants managed workplace stimuli.
• Nurses with fewer developmental assets perceived workplace stimuli as more threatening.
• This perception impacted their ability to self-actualize in their novice role.

Conclusions:

• The interplay between workplace and developmental factors is significant in determining whether novice nurses survive or thrive.
• Developmental factors play a critical role in how novice nurses perceive and manage workplace challenges.
• Understanding this interplay can inform transition programs to better support new graduates.