Standing on One’s Own Feet: New Graduate Nurses’ Home Health Care Challenges and Work Experiences Study

Abstract

Interest is growing for information on recently qualified nurses' initial meeting with working life. This study aims to shed light on recently qualified nurses' experience working in home health care. The authors chose to design the study using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach with narrative interviews and text analysis. The respondents consist of a group of four recently qualified nurses. The results show that they are surprised by the many competence requirements and expectations, that they experience feeling alone, and that they also bear large responsibility. At the same time, they enjoy their work, in which they seek to influence the working conditions for their professional practice. They do experience the anxiety of not being able to cope with the challenge of nursing practice, but they are not marked by the shock of reality.

New graduate registered nurse transition into primary health care roles: an integrative literature review

“…This evidence was primarily achieved through interviews (Sneltvedt et al. , Roziers et al. ) and/or focus groups (Ellis & Chater , Roziers et al.…”

Valuing Professional Pride and Compensating for Lack of Experience

“…Our study focuses on the challenges for leaders and colleagues to take care of recently graduated competency and retention. The first study from home health care deals with nurses' experience as recently graduated employees (Sneltvedt, Odland, & Sørlie, 2010).…”

Deciding if Home Care Is Right for Me

“…New graduate nurses’ transition into independent practice can be characterized by personal and professional growth and development 8 as well as learning to “stand on one’s own feet.” 7(p262) Several studies suggest that for successful transition into home care practice, new graduates require confidence, ongoing support, validation, and feedback. 7-9 However, studies also reveal that support and feedback are sometimes lacking, leaving new graduates feeling isolated and unsure about their progress. 7,8…”

“…7-9 However, studies also reveal that support and feedback are sometimes lacking, leaving new graduates feeling isolated and unsure about their progress. 7,8…”

“…7,8 Challenges new nurses faced in negotiating nurse–client relationships led them to realize the importance of developing competencies and knowledge related to the home care nursing role. 7 Knowing when to ask for help, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills have also been identified as particularly relevant to a home care context. 9…”