Question

What important factors can affect the transition from novice to experienced nurse? Explain.

Answer 1

Transition is defined as the process of moving from a state to another one which is usually associated with significant changes in goals, roles, and responsibilities

The factors that affecting novice nurses such as staff training and development, professional relationships, perceived level of support, professional accountability and commitment, welfare services, and nursing staff shortage potentially contribute to nurses’ coping with transitions. These factors were included in a broad theme entitled, ‘Inadequate preparation for transition’. Accordingly, the major barrier to our participants’ coping with transition was their inadequate preparation for it.

Some of the common issues that occur during this transition period from student nurse to registered nurse include:

Theory-to-practice gaps
Caring for increasingly complex patients with multiple comorbidities
Time management
Medicines administration
Patient assessment skills
Documentation skills
Limited proficiency in managing and executing technical skills
Working and collaborating within teams
Accountability
Decision-making
Shiftwork
Developing competency in planning and organising
Prioritising and coping with unexpected events
Lack of access to experienced mentors and coaches
Performance anxiety
Bullying