Coming of Age During Coronavirus: New Nurses' Perceptions of Transitioning to Practice During a Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to the health care workforce. Little is known about the effect of the pandemic on new RNs and their preparedness for such a crisis. This study explored the lived experiences of RNs transitioning from students to professionals during the pandemic. Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 new RNs working in acute care facilities during the Maryland COVID-19 State of Emergency. Results: Three themes were identified to describe the experiences of new nurses transitioning to practice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: uncertainty, vulnerability, and resilience. Conclusion: New nurses need greater support during transition to practice. Initiatives to improve trusting relationships between new nurses and their organizations and support of the development of essential relationships (e.g., peers, frontline management, and educators) could enhance new nurses' resilience and commitment to stay with the organization. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 2021;52(6):294–300.]

The lived experience of nurses transitioning to professional practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Whether it was experienced more intensely than previous years seems likely due to limited preparation for what they were introduced to upon entrance to practice. 4 , 9 Further elucidations on this question can be expected as new research on the experiences of nurses with and without experience during the pandemic continues to be evaluated.…”

“…This study found anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder in some of the interviewees and suggests nursing educators may benefit from incorporating psychological interventions into nursing education curriculum. Another qualitative study by Sessions et al 4 investigated new nurses' experience in a similar timeframe caring for COVID‐19 patients in a hospital setting. Similar themes emerged including uncertainty, vulnerability, and resilience.…”

“…It became evident that these challenges, upon entering practice, were taxing to both personal and professional wellbeing with the potential of long‐term effects. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 It is vitally important to seek an understanding of the lived experience of this cohort of young professionals and to plan for optimal preparation for those who will follow in the nursing profession.…”

The first COVID-19 new graduate nurses generation: findings from an Italian cross-sectional study

“…Moreover, no assessments have been performed on the quality of clinical environments to maximise the clinical competences achieved [ 11 , 12 ]; also, new clinical tutors have been appointed without any training [ 13 ], and the continuity of the clinical experience has not always been ensured, due to the continuous changes in the mission of units and episodes of isolation or quarantine [ 14 ]. Furthermore, only limited transition programmes have been offered [ 15 ] to help new graduates to enter their first working environments using supervision and peer support in good clinical settings [ 16 ].…”

Procesos gerenciales en la práctica del cuidado de Enfermería

“…Siendo el apoyo psicológico a las enfermeras una acción favorable para contar con un personal apto emocionalmente para ejercer sus funciones óptimamente 5 . 6 comentan que las nuevas enfermeras necesitan un mayor apoyo durante la transición a la práctica. Las iniciativas para mejorar las relaciones de confianza entre las nuevas enfermeras y sus organizaciones y el apoyo al desarrollo de relaciones esenciales, siendo esta una labor fundamental por parte de la gerencia.…”