Transition to practice experiences of first- and second-career nurses: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

• Alternative nursing programs aim to address shortages by facilitating career changes.
• Second-career nurses, entering the profession later in life, are a growing demographic.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the specific transition experiences of second-career nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transition to practice experiences of both first- and second-career nursing students.
• To identify stressors, coping mechanisms, and burnout patterns during the initial year of nursing practice.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews (n=15) and a longitudinal survey (n=122).
• Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using latent thematic analysis.
• Quantitative data underwent descriptive and effect size analysis to track changes over time.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: Stressors and Coping, Prevalence of Burnout and Presenteeism, and Difficulty Describing Nursing's Role.
• Self-compassion decreased, while stress, presenteeism, and burnout significantly increased among nurses during their first year.
• Significant differences in stressors and coping strategies were observed between first- and second-career nurses.

Conclusions:

• Transition to practice programs should acknowledge and address the distinct stressors and coping strategies of first- and second-career nurses.
• The rising rates of stress, burnout, and presenteeism necessitate targeted interventions and support systems.
• Enhancing the nurse work environment is crucial for supporting the successful integration of all new nurses.