Transition shock, future time perspective, professional self-concept, and professional identity among nursing interns: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundTransition shock is prevalent among nursing interns. Future time perspective helps nursing interns learn and work more effectively and improve their problem-solving skills. Professional self-concept and professional identity play an important central and driving role in nursing interns' career choices and career development. However, the mechanism by which future time perspective, professional self-concept and professional identity are linked to transition shock among nursing interns remains unknown. ObjectivesWe assess the degree of transition shock experienced by nursing interns and investigate the connections among transition shock, future-focused viewpoint, professional identity, and professional self-concept. DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional design was conducted. SettingEight hospitals in Hunan Province, China were included in the study. ParticipantsNursing interns at the studied hospital participated in the study. MethodsA total of 1090 nursing interns [929 female, 161 male] were recruited from eight hospitals. Data on transition shock, future time perspective, professional self-concept and professional identity among nursing interns were collected using questionnaires from 30 May to June 15, 2022. ResultsOn a 4-point rating scale, the participants' felt transition shock had a mean overall score of 2.39 (SD = 0.52). The dimension with the highest score was overwhelming workload (mean = 2.74, SD = 0.58), while the dimension with the lowest score was incongruity between work and personal life (mean = 2.16, SD = 0.70).Professional identity was statistically significantly correlated with transition shock (r = −0.198, p < 0.01). The preferred level of nursing (β = 0.354, p < 00.01), professional self-concept (β = 0.226, p < 00.01), professional identity (β = −0.2576, p < 00.01) and future time perspective (β = 0.119, p < 00.01) were predictors of transition shock. ConclusionsThe development of nursing interns’ sense of professional identity and future time perspective should be enhanced during both the education phase and clinical placement to help nursing interns overcome the experience of transition shock.