The challenges of transition to practice expressed through the lived experience of new-to-practice nurses (December 2022)

Summary

This qualitative study, published in Patient Safety, aims to describe the lived experiences of new nurses’ safe transition into practice and their perceptions of functioning as safe practitioners.

Content

Five themes were identified:

• lack of practical knowledge (skills dexterity, real-world knowledge)
• impostor syndrome
• safety culture (unsafe environment, lack of supplies lack of mentoring/management)
• internalized fear
• seeking the sage.

Authors conclude that transition to practice is overwhelming and uncertain. Academic faculty and practice nurses’ cooperative efforts can aid novice nurses in safe transition to practice through academic curriculum enhancement, preceptors, and nurse residency programs working toward narrowing the academic practice gap.