New Nurses’ Perceptions on Transition to Practice: A Thematic Analysis

BACKGROUND: New nurses’ transition to the workforce is often described as challenging and stressful. Concerns over this transition to practice are well documented, with the hypothesis that transition experiences influence the retention of new nurses in the workforce and profession. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey (N = 217) to assess new nurse transition in the province of Ontario, Canada, an open-ended item was included to solicit specific examples of the transition experience. The comments underwent thematic analysis to identify the facilitators and barriers of transition to practice for new nurses. RESULTS: Comments were provided by 196 respondents. Three facilitator themes (supportive teams; feeling accepted, confident, and prepared; new graduate guarantee) and four barrier themes (feeling unprepared; discouraging realities and unsupportive cultures; lacking confidence/feeling unsure; false hope) to new nurse transition emerged. CONCLUSIONS: Concerns of nursing shortages are heightened in the current COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the priority of retaining new nurses in the workforce. The reported themes offer insight into the contribution of a supportive work environment to new nurses’ transition. The recommendations focus on aspects of supportive environments and educational strategies, including final practicums, to assist nursing students’ development of self-efficacy and preparation for the workplace.