Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Primary Minor
Psychology
Thesis Advisor
Kendra Hoepper, DNP, APRN, PNP- BC
Abstract
Background: There is an increasing demand for nurses worldwide as healthcare systems slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a high turnover of registered nurses and an even higher turnover in the demographic of newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) are constantly faced with high levels of stress upon starting out in the professional environment and as a result of mental burnout and inadequate preparation, there is a notably high turnover of newly graduated nurses within their first year of employment. Purpose: This research aims to use existing information on the transition from undergraduate training to professional practice to evaluate the mental health of newly graduated nurses and to help develop a greater understanding of the importance of well-being. The implementation of this understanding into clinical orientation has the potential to significantly reduce the turnover rate and promote job satisfaction for newly graduated nurses. Method: To accomplish this research, a mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data will be applied to explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses transitioning from undergraduate training to professional practice. The quantitative component will use a validated scale to measure specific emotions experienced during the transition, while the qualitative component will provide a fully captured understanding of the perceptions and perceived mental health status of newly graduated nurses during this period. Results: The data for this study has yet to be collected, but the expected results will prove the hypothesis that the transition from undergraduate training to professional practice can significantly impact the mental health of newly graduated nurses during their first year of employment.
Keywords: stress evaluation, stress, new graduate nurses, nursing, turnover, transition, burnout, mental health, effects, role identity, work-life balance, well-being, and onboarding