New graduate nurses' early-career trajectories in South Korea: A 3-year longitudinal qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Early turnover among new graduate nurses is a global concern that threatens the stability and quality of nursing services. Although many studies have examined turnover among new graduate nurses, most have relied on cross-sectional designs, thus providing a limited understanding of how turnover intentions and professional identities evolve. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the longitudinal trajectories of new graduate nurses employed in large-scale hospitals in South Korea and examine how their experiences, perceptions, and turnover intentions changed during their first 3 years of professional practice. DESIGN: Longitudinal qualitative study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine nurses licensed in 2021 who were recruited through open recruitment processes at large-scale hospitals. METHODS: Data were collected at two time-points-within the first year and during the third year of practice-through focus group interviews, individual interviews, or written reflections. All interviews were semi-structured and analyzed using traditional inductive content analysis. Rigor was established according to Guba and Lincoln's four criteria of trustworthiness. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: 1) Living in uncertainty while awaiting placement, 2) A merciless honeymoon: Diverging early-career trajectories, 3) Competent nurses who still dream of leaving hospitals, 4) Two distinct paths among those who left hospitals, and 5) What I've come to realize in the third year post-licensure. CONCLUSIONS: The trajectory toward becoming a competent nurse is complex and nonlinear. Turnover intention among new graduate nurses evolves, progressively shifting from personal to organizational causes. Multilevel interventions, such as stage-specific organizational support, structured career development systems, diversified undergraduate practicum models, and balanced workforce policies, are required to promote sustainable retention.