Perspectives and Meaning of Role Transition Lived by Experienced Nurses: A Phenomenological Study

Background: The role transition of experienced nurses is a complex process influenced by multiple factors that remain underexplored. Schlossberg's transition model defines three stages: "Moving In," "Moving Through," and "Moving Out." Objectives: The main aim was to explore the lived experiences and meanings of experienced nurses undergoing role transition. The secondary aim was to investigate main challenges faced by nurses, the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and nurses' advice on support strategies during role transition. Design: Descriptive phenomenological study. Methods: In 2022, nurses who had transitioned roles within the past two years were recruited via snowball sampling. After informed consent, participants completed an online demographic questionnaire and were interviewed by phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a four-step phenomenological method: bracketing, intuition, analysis, and description. A thematic analysis was performed, and its results described following Schlossberg's transition model. Results: Sixteen nurses participated (62.5% female, mean age 32.1 years, 6.6 years' experience pretransition). Four themes and nine categories emerged. Role changes were driven by personal or professional fulfillment, often tied to emotional needs or job security. Transition phases involved emotional turbulence, including anxiety, excitement, a sense of chaos, and frequent feelings of inadequacy. Support was primarily informal, coming from peers or supervisors. The whole process led to professional and personal growth, skill development, and increased self-awareness and confidence. Key challenges included unfamiliar organizational models, resistance from established teams, and emotional strain, especially when relocating. Lack of structured onboarding and the COVID-19 pandemic intensified difficulties. Participants recommended structured onboarding programs and to recognize previous experience and individual interests when assigning new roles. Conclusions: Role transition of experienced nurses is both challenging and enriching. Formal support and recognition of nurses' prior experience are essential during allocation. Daily life challenges and pandemic-related issues should be considered when developing supporting strategies for transition.