Using Duchscher's Theory of Transition Shock To Inform The Experience Of Newly Graduated Nurses In Qatar: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe transition experience of new graduate nurses (NGN) is a complex and stressful period of adjustment and adaptation. The transition period is often negative leading to job dissatisfaction and increased intent to leave. Literature concerned with transition experiences of NGNs in the Middle East is lacking, where the educational, healthcare and cultural context are dissimilar to those in the published literature. AimTo explore the transition experiences of Qatari NGNs to inform development of a formal transition to practice program at a specialty hospital. MethodsA qualitative case study design was conducted to explore the professional role transition experiences of Qatari NGNs. Data was collected through the Casey-Fink Graduate Experience Survey, and an unstructured focus group. ResultsQatari NGNs experienced challenges of professional role adaptation and feeling ill-prepared in terms of competency and job-readiness, resulting in self-doubt, frustration and fear. Desires to fit-in were negatively impacted by language, discrimination and lack of social support, and professional identity development. ConclusionsProfessional role transition of Qatari NGNs involves a complex interplay of intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational and cultural factors. Experiences can be enhanced by accessible, nurturing, multi-level social support to facilitate socialization and improve clinical practice competency. Managing expectations by preparing students Tieleman T, Cable S MedEdPublish

Transition Shock of Newly Employed Nurses: A Cross-sectional Study

“…The shortage of nurses is causing many difficulties [1], and the need for nurses is increasing every day [4], [5]. Many authors associate the departure of nurses from the profession with the occurrence of a transition shock, the so-called reality shock, which appears at the beginning of a professional career [6], [7].…”

“…The reality shock theory focuses on the need for socialization of nurses in the new work environment, and four phases are described: the honeymoon phase, the rejection/regression phase, the recovery phase, and the resolution phase [8]. The transition experience of new graduate nurses is a very stressful and complex period of adaptation, which can cause job dissatisfaction and the intent to leave the profession [7]. Although the phenomenon of transition shock was recognized in the 1970s, it is certainly far more pronounced today due to the rapid progress of technology and the complexity of providing nursing care.…”