Career adaptability of newly graduated nurses at an obstetrics and gynaecology hospital in China: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into factors affecting career adaptability of newly graduated nurses and ways to improve them.

Background: Newly graduated nurses face an important transition from student to professional. Unfortunately, the nurse turnover rate is high due to maladaptation. Factors influencing career adaptability and improvement methods have not been clearly addressed.

Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative study with thematic analysis, 15 newly graduated nurses from a tertiary obstetrics and gynaecology teaching hospital in China were interviewed.

Results: Six themes affecting career adaptability were found: personality, self-confidence, occupational care focus, work-related stress, basic professional competency and gap between reality and expectations. Four themes improving career adaptability were identified: strong social support, self-adjustment, self-development and career preparation. Eight subthemes were also identified.

Conclusions: Individual, family and work factors were among those affecting career adaptability among newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses would improve their career adaptability through self-adjustment and social support. Helping them to promote these factors and measures is conducive to improving their career adaptability and reducing staff turnover.

Implications for nursing management: Nurse managers should be aware of the key factors affecting career adaptability among newly graduated nurses and design targeted improvement programmes.

Keywords: China; career adaptability; gynaecology; newly graduated nurses; obstetrics; qualitative research.