Effects of Career Adaptability and Self-Efficacy on Transition Shock Among Newly Graduated Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Conducted in China

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has increased the work pressure of nurses worldwide, and managers must provide support and assistance for the transition period of newly graduated nurses. Method: A cross-sectional design was adopted to collect a sample of 318 newly graduated nurses from six hospitals in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using a questionnaire that consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Transition Shock Scale (2015), the Career Adapt-Ability Scale (2012), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (2001). Results: The transition shock of newly graduated nurses was 3.77 ± 0.48 in China. Regression analysis showed that transition shock among newly graduated nurses was predicted by career adaptability, general self-efficacy, living with one's parents, and education level, which accounted for 37.7% of the variance in transition shock. Conclusion: Newly graduated nurses experienced a relatively high level of transition shock in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managers may offer continuing education to reduce the transition shock of newly graduated nurses based on the factors that affect their transition shock. [ J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(11):524–532.]