Exploring RN Resignation Experiences

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Qualitative Research
• Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted frontline nurses, leading to burnout and workforce disruption.
• Early-career nurses and nursing students faced unique challenges during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of nursing students, new graduates, and early-career nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To understand how pandemic-era experiences influenced perceptions of nursing and career trajectories.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using Thorne's interpretive description methodology.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with nursing students, new graduate nurses, and nurses who resigned within their first year.
• Interviews conducted across multiple US regions.

Main Results:

• The pandemic did not deter students from entering nursing but altered career trajectories.
• Institutional and peer support were perceived as insufficient, diminishing practical readiness.
• Workforce rifts intensified, and media perceptions of nursing were shaped by the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Robust transition-to-practice programs, mentorship, and leadership strategies are essential for supporting early-career nurses.
• Addressing workforce attrition requires intentional interventions to mitigate the pandemic's impact on nurses.
• Future research should focus on developing and evaluating support systems for nurses during and after crises.