The experience of newly qualified nurses one year after prematurely transitioning to the professional world during the Covid-19 pandemic in Spain

The transition from student to professional nurse is widely recognised as a critical and vulnerable period, particularly during the first year after graduation. Evidence suggests that up to 50% of newly qualified nurses leave the profession within this first year due to stress and the high level of responsibility they encounter. During the Covid 19 pandemic, many students prematurely assumed nursing roles amid resource shortages and exacerbating already elevated levels of stress associated with transition to nursing practice. While some students found pride and learning opportunities in their new role, others faced fear, ethical conflicts, and isolation. A descriptive qualitative study design was employed, using focus groups comprised of participants from five Catalan universities, to explore the nature and conditions of the transition to practice and the response patterns of newly qualified nurses who entered professional practice prematurely under relief contracts. The study examined nursing students’ premature transition during Covid-19. Participants reported being driven by practical goals and vocational values when choosing this premature transition to practice. Challenges included unclear roles, emotional strain, and heavy workloads. Despite barriers, support from mentors, peers, and family fostered resilience and professional growth. Some reconsidered career paths, emphasizing mentorship’s critical role in successful transitions. Findings are presented across the theoretical domains of nature of transition, transition conditions, and patterns of response, within which themes emerged from the analysis. Transitioning to nursing during the pandemic was challenging, highlighting mentorship’s crucial role. Mentorship supports professional identity, eases fears, and provides feedback. New nurses value better working conditions and experienced mentors, fostering leadership. Institutions must prioritize mentorship to ensure nurse development, retention, and job satisfaction amidst global challenges.