The challenges and experiences of New Graduate Registered Nurses (NGRNs) during the Covid-19 pandemic: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to attain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and experiences of New Graduate Registered Nurses (NGRNs) who cared for patients with COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, NGRNs quickly adapted to demanding clinical roles, showing resilience, initiative, and commitment to growth. Through mentorship and teamwork, they developed stronger professional identities. These experiences, though crisis-driven, underscore the lasting value of flexible training, emotional support, and structured transitions in all healthcare settings.

Method: An integrative review method by Whittemore and Knafl (2005).

Results: An initial pool of 836 records was identified, with 22 articles meeting the criteria for review. From these, four main themes and ten subthemes emerged: Pandemic-Specific Conditions Faced by NGRNs - educational/training conditions, working conditions, and physical/psychological conditions; Pandemic-Related Concerns Raised by NGRNs -proficiency/experience concerns and safety concerns; Pandemic-Related Positive Responses by NGRNs - proactivity, staying positive, and advocating for nurses; Pandemic-Related Growth Among NGRNs -professional and personal development and pandemic-fostered commitment and advocacy.

Conclusion: The experiences of NGRNs during the pandemic revealed their capacity for resilience, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. Each theme-ranging from proactive learning to advocacy and professional growth-highlights both the challenges faced, and the strengths developed. These insights extend beyond crisis response, offering practical guidance for building supportive, flexible, and future-ready systems that empower NGRNs in both pandemic and non-pandemic healthcare settings.