Senior nurses’ expectations and support of new graduate nurses’ adjustment in hospitals: A qualitative descriptive study

AIM: This study aimed to identify senior nurses' expectations and support of new graduate nurses’ adjustment to their work environment. BACKGROUND: New graduate nurses have difficulties in adjusting to their work environment because they are not well prepared for clinical nursing practice upon graduation. Hospitals support their adjustment to their work environment through residency/transition programs. Although such support exists, new graduate nurses are expected to learn the expected behavior and attitude themselves. Thus, identifying senior nurses' expectations and support of new graduate nurses’ adjustment may facilitate smooth adjustment to the work environment. DESIGN: This was a qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Fourteen nurses who teach new graduate nurses in Japanese hospitals were interviewed face-to-face individually. The data were analyzed using qualitative inductive content analysis, which was coded and sorted to identify categories. RESULTS: Regarding senior nurses' expectations of new graduate nurses' adjustment, six categories emerged: trying to fit in with people in their ward, behaving by following the unspoken rules of their ward, having attitudes compatible with learning, addressing their situations using their initiative, showing a willingness to learn, and obtaining necessary information by themselves. Senior nurses' support of new graduate nurses’ adjustment consisted of four categories: watching over and speaking to them, trying to create a good working environment, encouraging them to have attitudes compatible with learning, and teaching them how to learn. CONCLUSIONS: Senior nurses need to understand and express what they expect from new graduate nurses at the stage of hospital adjustment. If senior nurses understand their expectations for adjustment, they can help new graduate nurses effectively. Furthermore, understanding the expectations of senior nurses may facilitate new graduate nurses’ adjustment. These findings may contribute to good working relationships between senior and new graduate nurses.