Newly Registered Nurses’ Experience in the First Year of Practice: A Phenomenological Study

Examination of the lived experience of newly licensed registered nurses in their first year of practice in a hospital setting indicates that adaptation to the culture of nursing and movement from novice to competent nurse may sometimes be a treacherous journey.

Abstract

The novice nurse’s first year of nursing practice focuses on socialization into the culture of nursing and on growth toward competent practice. Aqualitative study examined the lived experience of newly licensed registered nurses in their first year of practice in a hospital setting. Findings, described based on Kramer’s (1974) Reality Shock and Benner’s (1984) Novice to Expert, indicate that adaptation to the culture of nursing and movement from novice to competent nurse may sometimes be a treacherous journey. This journey may be influenced in a positive way through caring relationships with colleagues. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between caring supportive work environments, and recruitment and retention of new graduates.