Social Justice Perceptions of Newly Graduated Nurses: A Grounded Theory Study

Nursing is rooted in social justice principles, yet achieving health equity remains challenging, particularly given the unclear perceptions of social justice among newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs). High turnover rates in this group further threaten progress toward equity goals. This study explored how NGRNs understand, cocreate, process, and respond to social justice in practice using a constructivist grounded theory approach. Analysis of 28 NGRNs' narratives from virtual interviews led to the development of a theoretical framework encompassing four co-constructed processes of Best Care for All, No Matter What; Importance of Making the Human Connection; Novice Emancipators; and a Supportive Organizational Environment and a fluid process. Based on these findings, a situation-specific theory titled the NGRN Evolving Identity of Social Justice was proposed. The study highlights the need to foster social justice identity during NGRNs' transition to practice. Implications include integrating social justice into nursing curricula, onboarding programs, leadership strategies, and policy initiatives to promote person-centered care and health equity. Supporting NGRNs as advocates for social justice may strengthen retention, improve patient outcomes, and position nursing at the forefront of systemic change toward equity.