Transitioning to Independent Nursing Practice during COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Management
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created significant obstacles for onboarding and supporting new graduate nurses (NGNs).
• Understanding the unique challenges faced by NGNs during this unprecedented period is crucial for healthcare systems.
• Adapting nurse residency programs (NRPs) is essential to ensure effective transition and support for early-career nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions and experiences of NGNs entering clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To investigate how NRPs were adapted to meet the evolving needs of NGNs during the pandemic.
• To identify key themes related to NGNs' transition, coping mechanisms, and professional development.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed to gather comprehensive data.
• Quantitative data were collected through nurse experience surveys assessing compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress.
• Qualitative data were obtained from focus group discussions to explore NGNs' transition experiences.

Main Results:

• Quantitative findings indicated levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress among NGNs.
• Qualitative analysis revealed five key themes: transitioning through an NRP, impact on nursing care, value of coworkers, coping strategies, and professional growth.
• The qualitative themes corroborated the quantitative findings, providing a deeper understanding of NGNs' experiences.

Conclusions:

• The study underscores the critical need for enhanced support systems for NGNs during times of widespread disruption and change.
• Adaptations in NRPs are vital to facilitate successful practice transitions for nurses entering the field under challenging circumstances.
• Future interventions should focus on strengthening support networks and professional development opportunities for NGNs.