Exploring Novice Nurses' Experiences During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected how nurses learn and prepare for their future careers. This study explored the experiences of college-prepared, novice nurses pursuing a baccalaureate degree during the first wave of the pandemic.

This qualitative descriptive study analyzed students' individual reflective assignments describing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on novice nurses' personal, professional, and educational lives.

Three themes emerged: (1) emotions generated in the clinical workplace due to the lack of control and the unknown of working as novice nurses during a pandemic; (2) cognitive dissonance of the nursing role regarding novice nurses' moral distress and their growing empowerment within the scope of practice; and (3) a disconcerted image of nursing with contrasting views of nursing from the public's perspective and a disconnect between frontline workers and decision makers.

Novel pedagogical strategies are needed to help novice nurses cope with stress, uncertainty, and role challenges to foster healthy learning in academic and working environments. [.