Transition shock experience of newly graduated nurses: a qualitative study

This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience and requirements of newly employed nurses during their transition into professional roles. Furthermore, it aims to analyze the effects of transition shock on these nurses, identify the typical coping mechanisms they employ, and provide a reference for nursing administrators to explore and improve relevant interventions.

In the early stages of their careers, newly graduated nurses frequently encounter various challenging situations that might impact their job performance and professional growth. Over the past few years, experts have increasingly focused on transition shock. However, limited studies have been undertaken on the role adaptation factors related to freshly graduating nurses during their transition.

The study's design and implementation were guided by the phenomenological method. Purposive sampling and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to recruit 16 participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed using thematic techniques assisted by Nvivo coding software.

We analyzed interview data based on Duchscher's transition shock theoretical framework. A total of 3 themes and 12 sub-themes were distilled, which include perceptions and feelings when facing transition shocks (4 sub-themes), impacts of transition shocks (4 sub-themes), and strategies for coping with transition shocks (3 sub-themes).

Newly recruited nurses are prone to suffer multidimensional problems and impacts during the transition process, mostly characterized by physical discomfort, psychological anxiety, and the need for social support and career development. Nursing managers should pay attention to the mental health status and changes of new nurses at different stages and proactively investigate and implement personalized interventions.