An Exploratory Study on the Mediating Effect of Clinical Competence in the Relationship Between Grit and Field Adaptation in Newly Graduated Nurses

INTRODUCTION: Even under difficult situations, individuals with psychological resources such as positive psychological capital and resilience are less likely to consider turnover. Grit is a psychological factor that predicts success at work in other industries, but little is known about its impact on newly graduated nurses. OBJECTIVES: The study’s purpose is to investigate newly graduated nurses’ grit, clinical competence, and field adaptation as well as the mediating effect of clinical competence in the relationship between grit and field adaptation. METHODS: A total of 102 nurses from university hospitals located in W city took part in this investigation. Data were collected using a self-questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple regression, and mediation analysis with the SPSS/26.0 program. RESULTS: Grit was remarkably related to clinical competence (r = .53, p < .001) and field adaptation (r = .30, p = .003). Clinical competence was significantly related to field adaptation (r = .24 p = .02). However, the role of clinical competence as a mediating factor in the relationship between grit and field adaptation was not found to be significant (β = .11, p = .32). CONCLUSION: Grit boosted clinical competence and had a direct effect on field adaptation. In order for newly graduated nurses to retain a consistent level of enthusiasm in their work, it is necessary to develop a program or strategies to improve their grit.