Aim To describe young adult patients’ experiences of living with a mechanical circulatory support (MSC) as a bridge to heart transplantation and impact of self‐efficacy. Design A qualitative and explorative interview study. Methods Eight interviews with adult participants were conducted and analysed using the phenomenological hermeneutical method. Results An overall theme, “Navigating from helplessness to feeling strong in the new reality,” and three themes were identified: “Feeling homeless in a changed reality” describes the experience of suddenly falling ill and the loneliness caused by the disease; “Finding my own inner resources” shows that the interviewees found the strength to fight for their lives and began to regain control of their situation; and “Adapting to my new reality” describes the importance of finding strength from others and being able to see MCS as a friend providing respite from the disease. Self‐efficacy beliefs play a significant role in the process that the participants went through.

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