Transition shock, preceptor support and nursing competency among newly graduated registered nurses: A cross-sectional study

Background: Transition shock is highly prevalent among newly graduated registered nurses in their early career. Preceptors are widely used to support them in acquiring clinical nursing competencies and to promote their successful transition to practice. However, the mechanism by which transition shock and preceptor support are linked to nursing competency among newly graduated registered nurses remains unknown. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between transition shock, preceptor support, and nursing competency in a sample of newly graduated registered nurses. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional design. Settings: Six tertiary hospitals in the southeast of mainland China. Participants: Newly graduated registered nurses undertaking their professional role in the first year. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit 215 newly graduated registered nurses [184 female, 31 male] from six hospitals. Data on transition shock, preceptor support, and nursing competency were collected using questionnaires from November to December 2019. Results: The nursing competency of critical thinking/research aptitude (mean = 2.68, SD = 0.63) was scored the lowest among participants. Transition shock (r = -0.21, p < .01) and perceptions of preceptor support (r = 0.56, p < .01) were statistically significantly correlated with nursing competency. Preceptor context, whether the assigned preceptor varied day by day, and the emotional challenges of transition shock were the main predictors of nursing competency (F = 36.86, p = .00), accounting for 34% of the variance in nursing competency. Conclusions: Educational programs aimed at increasing critical thinking and research aptitude in the educational stage and the continuing educational stage can benefit newly graduated registered nurses. A well-organized transition program in hospitals including awareness and recognition of transition shock in newly graduated registered nurses is essential to enhance their competency in providing quality nursing. More support and assistance would be useful in promoting the preceptor's role in improving nursing competency of newly graduated registered nurses.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between transition shock, preceptor support, and nursing competency among newly graduated registered nurses. Results showed that transition shock and perceptions of preceptor support were significantly correlated with nursing competency. Preceptor context and emotional challenges of transition shock were found to be the main predictors of nursing competency.