New graduate nurses' readiness for practice, transition and integration into the workplace: A longitudinal study with mixed methods research.

Aim: To examine the readiness of new graduate nurses for practice and evaluate factors influencing their transition into the workplace.

Background: This is new research in Bahrain. Understanding readiness for practice is important during a time when there is a national initiative to promote nursing as a career among the indigenous Bahraini population. The worldwide nursing shortages and aging workforce require new and innovative recruitment and retention measures. There is change, increased demand and complexity, in nursing and healthcare needs with accompanying healthcare specialization. In such a health care environment, the transitioning and readiness of newly qualified nurses is an increasing challenge.

Design: A longitudinal design, with a triangulated, mixed methods, research approach was used.

Methods: The study population consisted of 50 newly graduated nurses. Data were collected over one year through self-administered questionnaires, reflective diaries and focus groups. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and qualitative data using thematic analysis with adherence to GRAMMS reporting guidelines.

Results: In Bahrain, there are actions to recruit young Arabic students to nursing including schools and community presentations by trained nurse ambassadors, social media activities and career exhibitions, however there is a lack of objective information on the perspective of cohorts of nurses who have successfully completed graduate nursing registration programmes and transitioned into practice. International literature suggests that the transition of newly graduated nurses can be stressful and challenging. On entry to practice, the respondents positively perceived their characteristics and attributes; however, their confidence was affected by challenges in the workplace. The transitioning of the new graduate nurses was affected by the availability of support and leadership, induction programmes and the new complex work environment.

Conclusion: Understanding work readiness and the emotional needs of new graduate nurses, accompanied by improved support, will enhance the transition of newly qualified nurses into the workplace and reduce attrition.

Study Registration: KHUH/Research/No.279/2019.