Navigating the First Months of Work: A Cross-Sectional Study on Newly Graduated Registered Nurses’ Journey Into the Profession

The transition process for newly graduated registered nurses (NGN) entering hospital work is critical in managing challenges like insecurity and stress, while also supporting role navigation, learning, job satisfaction and retention. This study aimed to explore NGNs’ perceptions and experiences during their first four months transitioning to hospital work. A cross-sectional survey with Likert-scale questions and two open-ended free text questions was conducted with NGNs enrolled in a regional transition program at five Swedish hospitals, gathering data from 216 nurses between September 2021 and September 2022. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used to assess the data. The findings revealed that 61% of NGNs felt well prepared by their undergraduate nursing education, and 85% enjoyed their profession as nurses. Most reported they were integrated into their teams, satisfied with their support, and understood their responsibilities. However, only 28% reported feeling fully recovered for work, and 44% expressed fear of making mistakes. Qualitative responses highlighted feelings of unpreparedness for the workload, pace and ward-specific routines, although opportunities for learning, building relationships and validating their skills were viewed positively. The transition experience was influenced by individual, social, and organisational factors. Ongoing improvement in transition processes requires shared responsibility between nurses, educational institutions and hospitals.