Experiences of experienced nurses working with newly qualified nurses

Abstract

Background: Globally nursing workforce has been established to contribute the highest population of care providers within healthcare systems. Existent research has shown that newly qualified nurses experience pressure while transiting and coping at the workplace. More research is needed to understand the experiences of experienced co-workers who work with the newly qualified nurses.

Aim: To explore the experiences of experienced nurses working with newly qualified nurses

Method: Literature review method was used. Data were sought from three scientific databases CINAHL, Medline and PubMed. After data search, screening, and critical appraisal a total of seven articles were selected for analysis. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results: Findings from the performed analysis resulted in three categories; First category was skills and competences which presented the experienced nurses views on new nurses’ level of competence in various roles and care tasks. Second category was workplace support which was experienced as support that was offered to new nurses within a healthcare unit. Third was relations and elaborated the various relationships new nurses had with colleagues, patients, and other individuals within a care context.

Conclusions. Healthcare organizations need to input resources and mechanisms toward supporting the transition phase for a newly qualified nurse. Aspects such as, collegial support, continuous learning within the clinical setting and competence development may make the newly qualified nurses more comfortable and increase their expertise in nursing care.