A Descriptive Phenomenological Study on Professional Role Transition of New Graduate Nurses in Selected Hospital, Bangalore

Abstract

Background: Nursing is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most respected among the health care professions. Nurses play an integral role in the healthcare system and they have been correctly referred to as the heart of healthcare. The climate and culture have perhaps the largest impact on a new graduate nurse’s transition into the workforce. New graduates often have a difficult time distinguishing between prioritizing patients and prioritizing care. Objective: The objective of this research was to describe the experiences of new graduate nurses during their professional role transition in their first twelve to eighteen months of experience in critical care areas. Methods: A Descriptive phenomenological approach was selected for the study. Based on the Descriptive phenomenological approach four step was used: bracketing, intuiting, analysis and describing. The investigators identified and clarified their interest in the study and maintained initial reflective note and memoing. Results: The initial stage, (1-3 months) of professional roles transition of new graduate nurses was marked by a high level of stress, fear and disappointment with the disparity between what is anticipated and what is expected from them. Through their professional journey during next 4-5 months, they found themselves moderately stressful, confident and being trusted by their seniors. By the end of 12 months all the graduates have gained confidence and higher level of decision-making abilities and wanted to empower themselves through higher education. Interpretation and Conclusion: The findings of the study shown that life experiences of newly graduate nurses gradually change as they transit from novice to skilled nurse. Keywords: Transition, Professional role transition, and new graduate nurse.