The Mediating Role of Transition Shock on the Relationship Between Leadership Behaviors and Turnover Intention of New Graduate Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Study

The shortage of nurses has made new graduate nurses an essential workforce. Thus, the leadership behaviors of nurse managers are vital in reducing turnover intention among them. This study explored the mediator role of transition shock in the effect of nurse managers' leadership behaviors on turnover intention. A descriptive-correlational study was conducted in six private hospitals affiliated with a foundation university in Istanbul, Türkiye. The study utilized convenience sampling with 275 new graduate nurses. Data were collected using the Personal and Professional Characteristics Form, Nursing Transition Shock Scale, Turnover Intention Scale, and Leadership Behaviors Scale. The transition shock level was positively related to turnover intention and accounted for 9.7% of the variance. Employee-oriented leadership was the strongest predictor of turnover intention, followed by change-oriented and task-oriented leadership. Transition shock partially mediated the effect of leadership behaviors on turnover intention among new graduate nurses. Nurse managers can develop opportunities to enhance professional competencies, create a supportive learning environment, and implement an inclusive culture and innovative transition programs to reduce turnover and the effects of transition shock.