Factors associated with difficulty in adapting and intent to leave among new graduate nurses in South Korea

New graduate nurses experience difficulty in adapting to a new environment, which affects intent to leave. However, data on the factors contributing to difficulty in adapting and intent to leave among new graduate nurses are insufficient.

The aim of the study was to explore and compare factors associated with difficulty in adapting and the intent to leave among new graduate nurses in South Korea.

This cross-sectional study used secondary data analysis. Primary data were obtained from the 2015-2016 Korean National Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey. Descriptive statistics, independent t tests, and chi-square statistics with weighted samples besides multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted (N = 467).

Roughly 46% of nurses reported difficulty adapting, and 16% expressed their intent to leave. The factors linked to difficulty in adapting were working at large hospitals with rotating shifts, low person-job fit, and low satisfaction with personal competency; intent to leave was associated with high monthly salary and low satisfaction with the workplace (all ps < .05). Difficulty in adapting did not equate to their intent to leave.

There were high rates of difficulty in adapting and intent to leave among new graduate nurses. Although different factors were associated with difficulty adapting and intent to leave, workplace condition is a common factor.

Different strategies are needed to improve adaptation and intention of leaving among new graduate nurses. For better adaptation, developing training programs enhancing professional competency with a sufficient training period is required. In addition, providing staff and resources to reduce the intent to leave is crucial.