The Lived Experience of Registered Nurses in a Transitional Duty Program.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nursing
• Wellness Studies

Background:

• Registered nurses (RNs) face high injury rates, leading to work absence.
• Transitional duty (TD) programs offer modified assignments for safe return-to-work.
• This study explores RNs' experiences within TD programs and their impact on wellness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the lived experiences of RNs in a transitional duty program.
• To understand how TD programs influence the six dimensions of wellness for RNs.
• To identify factors contributing to successful return-to-work for injured RNs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study design.
• Semi-structured interviews with RNs in a TD program in Hawaii.
• Deductive thematic analysis informed by the Six Dimensions of Wellness model.

Main Results:

• RNs reported TD programs addressed occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional needs.
• The program facilitated professional engagement, personal fulfillment, and overall wellness.
• Flexible, structured, and purposeful support was key to recovery and reintegration.

Conclusions:

• Transitional duty programs are crucial for facilitating RNs' return to work after medical absence.
• TD programs effectively support injured RNs in returning to full-time roles.
• These programs promote recovery, professional engagement, and overall wellness through structured support.