Newly qualified nurses’ experiences of ‘reality shock’: a phenomenological study

Background: The experience of starting a new job is a stressful period in which uncertainties, fear of lack of proficiency and concerns about an unfamiliar environment and people are experienced. Aim: This study was conducted to explore the reality shock experiences of newly qualified nurses. Methods: The sample consisted of 11 newly qualified nurses with 0–1 year of experience who began working at the Mediterranean University Hospital between 2021 and 2022. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed according to Colaizzi’s (1978) seven stages of data analysis. Results: Three main themes and 11 sub-themes were obtained in the study: (1) A complex new life, encompassing freedom of independent practice, excitement of learning, crisis/emotional distress, fear and disruption of routine; (2) High expectation-task and time stress, reflecting the tension between inadequate orientation and self-imposed high expectations; and (3) Facing reality, characterised by frustration, urgent decision-making efforts, fear of the patient’s world and help-seeking behaviours. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it has been determined that newly qualified nurses experience disappointment due to the fact that their expectations are not fulfilled when they enter working life. Lack of knowledge and skills, high duty-responsibilities, and the negative working environment triggers reality shock.