'Young saplings on fire' newly graduated nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Aim: To explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses during the pandemic. Background: Newly graduated nurses were employed during the pandemic by several countries to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study with thematic analysis. The study was conducted with 14 newly graduated nurses. Results: Themes were systematized into four variables of the system research organization model, and a total of 12 themes were identified. Nurses, who started to work in the beginning months of the pandemic, faced several difficulties in their transition period, including the difficulties of starting employment and the effects of the pandemic on both society and health systems. Conclusions: During the pandemic, newly graduated nurses faced various difficulties in transition processes, difficulties in starting the employment process and the effects of the pandemic on both society and health systems. In order to reduce these effects, regulations are needed at all stages of the health system. Implications for Nursing Management: It is the responsibility of health system policymakers, hospital managers, nurse managers and senior nurses to ensure that newly graduated nurses endure these pandemic conditions, which are quite challenging even for senior nurses, without any damage, and continue in the profession.

Automated summary

The study explores the challenges faced by newly graduated nurses during the pandemic transition, highlighting difficulties in employment and the impacts of the pandemic on society and health systems. It emphasizes the need for regulations in the health system to mitigate these effects, and the responsibility of nursing management to ensure the safe and smooth professional development of newly graduated nurses during the pandemic.