Experiences of Clinical Adaptation Crisis Faced by New Graduate Nurses Post- Preceptorship in General Hospitals

This study aims to provide foundational insights for supporting new graduate nurses facing adaptation crises post-preceptorship by exploring their independent work experiences in general hospitals. Following COREQ guidelines, this phenomenological study analyzed data from 15 new graduate nurses who completed an average six week preceptorship and subsequently worked in a general hospital ward for six to eight months. Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Four themes and nine subthemes emerged: “Filling the gaps alone”, “Work as a burden”, “Life intertwined with the hospital”, and “Strength to overcome crisis”. The provision of systematic support for new graduate nurses to adapt to clinical settings should extend beyond preceptorship. Furthermore, intentional efforts must be made to create an inclusive organizational culture, enabling new graduate nurses to overcome crises and successfully adapt to the clinical setting.