Psychiatric Nurses: Transitioning from Student to Advance Beginner RN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The transitional experience from student nurse to advance beginner registered nurse (RN) is met with significant stressors, challenges, rewards, and thrills. The process and experience undergone by the RN can be the deciding factor for his or her commitment to the profession. Identifying factors to enhance retention is critical given the nursing shortage and changes within the health care environment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to describe and explore the transitional process and the lived experience of advance beginner nurses employed in mental health facilities. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study, which used a phenomenologic approach with audio-taped interviews of 15 nurses. RESULTS: There were significant variances regarding the nurses’ expectations, orientation process, responsibilities, and supportive interventions from colleagues. These participants identified several beneficial concepts that could mitigate negative affective states, which, in turn, may effectively reduce the premature exit of new nurses from the profession. CONCLUSIONS: The process of connecting educational experiences and practice was inadequate. However, participants identified strategies that might be useful in increasing retention and positively influencing the transitioning from student to RN.