Experiences of Newly Graduated Registered Nurses’ Successful Transition Into Practice in Their First Year

The transition into nursing practice can be described as a phase that significantly impacts nurses’ professional development, quality of care, and attrition rates. Newly graduated registered nurses’ experiences during the transition into practice may be challenging and stressful, affect job satisfaction, attrition rates, and burnout. The purpose of this interpretive descriptive qualitative study, guided by Duchscher’s transition theory, was to describe the experiences of newly graduated registered nurses who report a successful transition into clinical practice in their first year postgraduation to identify what factors contribute to their success and retention. Nine newly graduated registered nurses, with 9-12 months of experience and having reported a successful transition to clinical practice during the first year post-graduation, participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed, resulting in the identification of nine codes that align with the key themes: real world experience, ongoing adaptation and support, and new confidence. Recommendations include further research on how healthcare organizations prioritize hands-on training and support for newly graduated registered nurses to ensure they develop the competencies necessary to provide high-quality patient care. Creating a positive work environment for newly graduated registered nurses during the first year of practice can significantly influence their adaptation, job satisfaction, retention, and overall well-being and affect positive social change.