Novice nurses' transition shock and professional identity: The chain mediating roles of self‐efficacy and resilience

Abstract Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the association between transition shocks and professional identity and the mediating roles of self‐efficacy and resilience among Chinese novice nurses. Background Novice nurses experience transition shock when they start their careers, which might lead to decreased professional identity and ultimately turnover. By contrast, self‐efficacy and resilience are excellent psychological resources that may be associated with higher professional identity. It is unclear how transition shock affects professional identity by influencing these two internal resources. Design A cross‐sectional survey. Methods The STROBE guidelines were followed to report this study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, and 252 novice nurses completed the Transition Shock of Novice Nurses Scale, the Professional Identity Assessment Scale, the General Self‐Efficacy Scale and the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale between April 2022 and May 2022. Influencing factors were primarily identified using independent‐sample t ‐tests and a one‐way ANOVA. Structural equation modelling was used to detect the mediating effects of self‐efficacy and resilience. Results Differences in novice nurses' levels of professional identity were found across age groups, hospitals and departments. Transition shock was negatively related to professional identity. Self‐efficacy and resilience mediated the complete chain relationship between transition shock and professional identity. Conclusion To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the mediating effect of self‐efficacy and resilience on transition shock and professional identity. Higher transition shock may lead to lower professional identity by reducing self‐efficacy and resilience. Relevance to Clinical Practice Nursing managers ought to emphasise the significant role of psychological resources in the work adaptation process of novice nurses. It may be more effective to improve professional identity and maintain the stability of the health care system. Patient or Public Contribution Nursing administrators working at seven preselected hospitals actively assisted us in the process of collecting self‐report questionnaires from novice nurses, such as by booking appointments and providing access for questionnaire administration. In addition, the participants were actively involved in the data collection process.