"Discovering shine through feedback seeking"---Feedback seeking among new graduate nurses: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background：Feedback is critical to improving practitioners' clinical practice and professional growth. Although new graduate nurses are still considered junior practitioners, their feedback-seeking experiences have yet to be investigated. This study aimed to understand the fundamental thoughts and experiences of new graduate nurses regarding feedback seeking and to identify the main factors that influence their feedback seeking behaviors. Methods：In-depth interviews were conducted among newly graduated nurses using qualitative exploratory semi-structured interviews in four hospitals in the Zhejiang Province, China. Interview data were evaluated using Colaizzi 7-step phenomenological data analysis. The COREQ checklist was followed. Results：From the data gathered, 13 categories emerged, which were then categorized into four central elements: (1) perceptions and attitudes, (2) drivers, (3) dilemmas and needs, and (4) transformation and growth. Conclusion：This study empowers nursing administrators and educators to recognize the obstacles and demands of new graduate nurses seeking feedback and the need for special attention in developing strategies to encourage new graduate nurses’ feedback seeking behaviors and stabilize the new graduate nurse workforce. Nursing managers should be proficient at providing positive leadership; collaborate with clinical mentors to foster an atmosphere where new graduate nurses may obtain honest, transparent, and fair feedback; and exercise caution when providing negative feedback.