Factors Associated with Clinical Adaptation among Newly Graduated Nurses: The Roles of Reality Shock and Resilience

Background: This study was conducted to identify factors associated with clinical adaptation among newly graduated nurses, with particular focus on reality shock and resilience.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 191 newly graduated nurses working at general hospitals in the Incheon area. Data were collected through an online survey. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analyses.Results: The mean clinical adaptation score was 5.77±1.80 on a 0–10 Visual Analogue Scale. Clinical adaptation was positively correlated with job satisfaction and resilience and negatively correlated with reality shock. Job satisfaction (β=0.17, P=0.017), adaptability (β=0.24, P=0.008), and lack of confidence (β=–0.43, P<0.001) were significantly associated with clinical adaptation, accounting for 45.9% of the variance (adjusted R2=0.459).Conclusions: Interventions aimed at enhancing resilience, strengthening confidence in clinical practice, and promoting positive work experiences may facilitate successful clinical adaptation among newly graduated nurses. These findings provide evidence for the development of targeted support strategies to promote a successful transition to professional nursing practice.