An Interpretive Description of New Graduate Nurses’ Transition into Professional Practice
Date
2022-07-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) have one of the highest turnover rates within the nursing profession, leaving their first job or the profession altogether within the first 12 months of professional practice. Not only is this costly to the healthcare system, but high turnover causes significant instability within the workforce, which affects the safety and quality of patient care. Also, NGNs are an essential human resource for addressing the nursing shortage. Understanding why high turnover is occurring among NGNs, is vital for the future stability of the nursing profession. Aim. The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of bachelor prepared nurses during the first year of nursing employment. A gap in the literature was identified, as recent studies have focused on socialization tactics based on NGN research from the earlier 2000s. As healthcare is constantly changing, it is important to understand what NGNs are experiencing at the current time. Thus, the findings from this study can inform clinical practice, leading to improved transition and socialization of NGN into professional practice. Method. An interpretive description research design was utilised to understand the phenomenon. Ten NGN study participants, who graduated within the last 18 months, were interviewed. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and an interpretative description was developed and used to inform clinical practice. Findings. NGN transition remains a highly complex and nuanced process. Three broad categories emerged: NGN disposition, collegial supports, and work environment. The findings offer a contemporary and expanded understanding of NGNs’ transition experiences.
Description
Keywords
new nurse(s), nurse graduate, newly qualified nurse, newly graduated nurse, socialization, transition
Citation
McDonald, S. A. (2022). An Interpretive Description of New Graduate Nurses’ Transition into Professional Practice (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.