Newly Graduated Perioperative Nurses' Experiences of Transitioning to Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Explorative Secondary Analysis

AimThe aim of this secondary analysis was to explore newly graduated perioperative nurses' experiences of transitioning to clinical practice to gain more in‐depth knowledge of this phenomenon.DesignA qualitative explorative study of secondary data was used, and this study was reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.MethodsA secondary analysis of data collected between March 2019 and November 2020 via 16 semi‐structured interviews with newly graduated perioperative nurses. The interviews were conducted 3 to 5 months after they graduated from five different educational institutions in Norway and entered clinical practice as perioperative nurses. A three‐step phenomenological hermeneutical analysis inspired by Ricoeur's theory was applied: naïve reading, structural analysis and comprehensive understanding.ResultsWe identified three themes: expectations of competence, facilitation for newly graduated perioperative nurses and the transition from being a student to a newly qualified perioperative nurse.ConclusionsNewly graduated perioperative nurses emphasised the critical role of supportive facilitation, manageable expectations and support from leaders and colleagues, which seemed essential for a successful transition to clinical practice.ImpactThis study addresses knowledge essential for universities, universities colleges and clinical practice, specifically healthcare organisations, to understand the transition process for newly graduated perioperative nurses. This can support the establishment of improved practices to ensure patient safety via more specific education and mentoring and more accurate expectations of competence.Patient and Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.