The transition from student to professional nurse has always been a challenging process. New nurses often need help with the transition to clinical practice. This difficulty was enhanced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which created unique challenges for new-to-practice (NTP) nurses during transition to clinical practice. This study described the experiences and challenges that NTP nurses experienced and leadership gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing photo-elicitation. Ten NTP nurses who started their first nursing job between March 2020 and December 2021 were interviewed, along with their submitted photographs. They were asked to describe how the photo represented their experiences, challenges, and professional development during the pandemic, in addition to being questioned about leadership and what could have been done to make the transition smoother. The interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis methodology. Utilizing Duchscher's transition theory model, three major themes emerged: survival and resilience, challenges to professional development, and leadership support during the pandemic. The results showed that NTP nurses experienced significant transition shock during the pandemic, along with other professional challenges such as delayed professional development, significant emotional impact, lack of professional confidence, and impaired decision-making ability. Recommendations for follow-up of NTP nurses and leadership are presented and discussed.
Dobrzyn, MSN, RN, CPHQ, Janet E. (Tue,) studied this question.