Abstract
Background: Newly graduated nurses face challenges during their transition into professional practice. The COVID-19 pandemic added extra stress to the nursing workforce which may have impacted newly graduated nurses' transition and consequently, impact the sustainability of the nursing workforce in the future.
Research Question: How did the newly graduated nurses' experience transition into clinical practice during the COVID- 19 pandemic in New Zealand?
Aim: To explore the experiences of new graduate nurses working in a district health board in New Zealand during the pandemic. The purpose was to understand how new graduate nurses could be best supported in their first year of nursing practice particularly during periods of extra stress in the healthcare system in the hope that nurses will be retained in the workforce in New Zealand.
Methodology: This research utilised a descriptive qualitative design, the interview was conducted via online platform (Zoom), and data was analysed using a general inductive method. This study was conducted with four new graduate nurses.
Results: Three main themes were identified from the interviews which include:
1) Up and downs during the transition year
2) The impact of COVID-19 with three sub-themes: (a) Personal life (b) New entry to practice programme (c) work environment
3) Support within the work environment with three sub-themes: (a) Nurse Entry to Practice (NETP) Coordinator (b) Preceptors (c) Managers.
Conclusions: The nurses who graduated during the pandemic had a unique experience. The COVID pandemic exacerbated the transition challenge for the new graduate nurses. The extent to which the participants were impacted, depended on their personal perceptions and the level of support they received. The NETP programme played an important role in preparing and guiding the new graduate in their transition from a student to a registered nurse.