Transition shock and perceived patient safety culture among newly graduated nurses: a latent profile and chained...

Newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) are particularly vulnerable to transition shock (TS), which may adversely affect perceived patient safety culture (PSC). However, the heterogeneity of TS and the psychological mechanisms through which it influences PSC remain insufficiently understood.

To explore latent profiles of TS among NGRNs and to examine their associations with perceived PSC, with a focus on the mediating roles of psychological capital (PsyCap) and second victim experience (SVE), in order to inform targeted interventions for supporting NGRNs and enhancing PSC.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 438 NGRNs from 18 public hospitals in China. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct TS profiles. Differences in PSC across profiles were examined. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the roles of PsyCap and SVE.

Three TS profiles were identified: low TS-social type (36.5%), moderate TS-competence type (48.0%), and high TS-psychological type (15.5%). PSC differed significantly across profiles (p < 0.001), with higher TS associated with lower PSC. PsyCap significantly mediated the relationship between TS and PSC across all profiles. SVE showed a significant mediating effect in the low and moderate TS groups but not in the high TS group. A significant chain mediation pathway was observed in the low and moderate TS profiles.

TS among NGRNs is heterogeneous and negatively associated with PSC. PsyCap and SVE play important mediating roles, highlighting the combined effects of psychological resource depletion and negative professional experiences. These findings provide evidence for targeted interventions to support NGRNs and PSC.