First Years in Nursing: Relationship and Risk Factors Between Reality Shock and Attitudes Toward Medical Errors

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Quality
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Newly graduated nurses face significant challenges transitioning into clinical practice.
• Understanding the impact of reality shock on nurses' perceptions and behaviors is crucial for improving healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between reality shock and newly graduated nurses' attitudes toward medical errors.
• To identify factors influencing nurses' perceptions and reporting of medical errors.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 300 nurses.
• Data were collected using the Reality Shock Scale and Medical Error Attitude Scale.

Main Results:

• Higher reality shock scores correlated with negative attitudes toward medical errors, including reduced error awareness and willingness to report.
• Factors such as working in university or emergency settings and reporting all errors were associated with improved attitudes.
• Conversely, mixed shifts and heavy workloads were linked to reduced positive attitudes.

Conclusions:

• Reality shock significantly impacts new nurses' awareness and reporting of medical errors.
• Supportive educational strategies and mentorship are vital for easing the transition and fostering a culture of error reporting.