Becoming an RN : a hermeneutic phenomenology study of the socialization of graduate RNs

Abstract

Nationwide, there has been a trend for acute care facilities to hire a greater percentage of new graduate registered nurses (GRNs). It has been estimated that in acute care 42% of newly hired Registered Nurses (RNs) are likely to be new graduates; and turnover rates for these new hires can range between 35 and 60 percent. A high turnover rate of RNs can have several negative consequences including increased cost in training and recruitment, and decreased quality of patient care. Current literature has identified challenges that occur during the transition period between being a student and becoming a registered nurse. There is a gap in the literature regarding an understanding of the experience of the newly graduate RNs and an understanding of when GRNs feel like they are fully functioning as an RN and part of the health care team. A Hermeneutic Phenomenology study was conducted in a 500 bed acute care facility in Northeast Ohio. Ten GRNs agreed to participate in the study and completed one-on-one interviews with the researcher. Themes that emerged focused on the process of transitioning into the role of RN. Participants discussed challenges of the new RN role, especially their first code experience. Major themes that emerged included: self-esteem and confidence, development of critical thinking, mentoring, bullying, amount to learn, and high expectations.