Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Nursing
Advisor
Leslie Hussey
Abstract
Attrition rates for first year newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) are between 30% to 60%; high level of attrition negatively affects hospital organizations, other nurses, and patient outcomes. Transitioning from student nurse to clinical nurse poses challenges for NGRNs which includes assuming responsibilities for a full patient load, communicating with physicians, and adjusting to shift work. The purpose of this phenomenological study, guided by Kramer’s reality shock theory and Duffy’s quality caring model, was to examine the lived experiences of a first-year cohort of NGRNs working in the acute care setting of a Florida hospital. Thirteen NGRNs were interviewed using open-ended, semistructured interviews about their transitional experiences and their perceptions of the caring behaviors exhibited by nursing leadership and other nursing staff. Emerging themes from the data verified by Raven’s Eye software included transitioning from student nurse to the role of clinical nurse, caring behaviors experienced, applying previous knowledge to clinical practice, and cultural differences and transitioning. Both caring behaviors and incivility were reported among all participants. Furthermore, experiencing caring behaviors from others during this transition was a crucial element for job satisfaction. The results from this study may be useful for nursing educators, nursing leadership, and healthcare organizations who wish to focus on the retention of NGRNs to increase positive patient outcomes which will, in turn, effect positive social change. Future studies related to tailored orientation programs for the NGRN could prove beneficial for the organization, the learning institution, the patient, and the NGRN.
Recommended Citation
Chancey, Tonya Lyn, "Lived Experiences of Newly Graduated Registered Nurses" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10978.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/10978
