Role transition of newly graduated nurses from nursing students to registered nurses: A qualitative systematic review

Esther Cai Wah See; Serena Siew Lin Koh; Sara Baladram; Shefaly Shorey

doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105702

Role transition of newly graduated nurses from nursing students to registered nurses: A qualitative systematic review

Nurse Educ Today. 2023 Feb:121:105702. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105702. Epub 2022 Dec 22.

Authors

Esther Cai Wah See¹, Serena Siew Lin Koh², Sara Baladram³, Shefaly Shorey⁴

Affiliations

¹ Alice Lee Centre of Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD11, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore. Electronic address: e0200726@u.nus.edu.
² Alice Lee Centre of Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD11, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore. Electronic address: serena_koh@nus.edu.sg.
³ Alice Lee Centre of Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD11, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore. Electronic address: sara.b@nus.edu.sg.
⁴ Alice Lee Centre of Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD11, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore. Electronic address: nurssh@nus.edu.sg.

PMID: 36577288
DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105702

Abstract

Background: The transition experience of newly graduated registered nurses is highly stressful and associated with high attrition rates.

Objectives and design: This qualitative systematic review aims to consolidate the available evidence on the experiences of newly graduated registered nurses' role transition from nursing students to registered nurses.

Data sources: English language research published between 2010 and 2022 was searched using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis databases.

Review methods: Data were extracted using a data extraction form and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for published studies or the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklist for unpublished studies or grey literature, respectively.

Results: The review included 25 studies and the meta-synthesis identified four themes: (a) Knowledge deficit, (b) Overwhelming clinical practise, (c) Importance of workplace support, and (d) Meaning of "being a nurse".

Conclusions: Newly graduated registered nurses experienced facing knowledge deficits in the clinical setting and felt overwhelmed with work, especially for newly graduated registered nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Support from colleagues was invaluable, and they wished for better support through standardised transition programs. Despite nursing being mentally and physically exhausting, many newly graduated registered nurses regarded their profession satisfying and meaningful, however some eventually resigned. Understanding the transition experiences of newly graduated registered nurses can provide valuable insights on how to facilitate their transition and in turn decrease attrition rates, and ensure safe care for the patients and that public healthcare needs are met.

Keywords: New nurses; Newly graduate nurse; Newly graduated registered nurses; Novice nurse; Nurses; Practice readiness; Transition to practice.

Publication types

Systematic Review
Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
Humans
Nurse's Role
Nurses*
Pandemics
Qualitative Research
Students, Nursing*