Weathering the Storm of Uncertainty: Transitioning Clinical Specialties as an Experienced Nurse

Changing jobs is very stressful for new and experienced nurses alike. However, the focus is usually placed on new graduate nurses. Processes that experienced nurses who transition clinical specialties (new-to-setting nurses) undertake are absent from the literature, threatening negative outcomes.

Constructivist grounded theory guided discovery of the transition process for new-to-setting nurses, and a trustworthiness protocol was used to augment rigor.

Experienced nurses who transitioned clinical specialties shared their experiences via 11 in-depth interviews, resulting in the middle range theory: weathering the storm of uncertainty. Nurses detached, encountered uncertainty, and established practice and place as they changed specialties. Nurses continuously handle change, but as they weather such storms, they can not only survive but also thrive.

This framework provides a structure for nurse leaders (e.g., staff development professionals) as they support experienced nurses at times of change. These leaders can help nurses to successfully navigate changes to improve the safety, quality, and outcomes of health care. [.