TRANSITIONING TO CLINICAL PRACTICE WITHOUT INDUCTION PROGRAMS: A JOURNAL OF NEWLY-REGISTERED NURSES

Transitioning to clinical practice after obtaining a license presents issues and challenges, particularly for nurses who have not received any training or induction. This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of newly licensed nurses who did not undergo any formal training or induction program during their transition to professional practice. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed, utilizing online semi-structured interviews to gather data from registered nurses. A total of nine participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted through van Manen’s (1997) lifeworld existentials, categorizing the data in lifeworld concepts such as lived space, lived time, lived human relations, lived body, and lived technology. New nurses experienced significant physical and emotional challenges from time, space, and relation aspects of the work environments. Despite these challenges, many nurses developed resilience and confidence through coping, workplace support and self-discovery. Ten themes emerged. The study contributes to the understanding of the challenges faced by new nurses and provides insights for improving the transition process. The findings underscore the need for supportive work environments, structured programs, and peer support to help new nurses in the transition to professional practice.