The effect of work readiness on work well‐being for newly graduated nurses: The mediating role of emotional labor and psychological capital

Abstract Objective To investigate the relationship between work readiness and work well‐being for newly graduated nurses and the mediating role of emotional labor and psychological capital in this relationship. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in mainland China. A total of 478 newly graduated nurses completed the Work Readiness Scale, Emotional Labour Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Work Well‐being Scale. Descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation analysis, and a structural equation model were used to analyze the available data. Results Newly graduated nurses' work readiness was significantly positively correlated with work well‐being ( r = 0.21, p < 0.01), deep acting ( r = 0.11, p < 0.05), and psychological capital ( r = 0.18, p < 0.01). Emotional labor and psychological capital partially mediated the relationship between work readiness and work well‐being. Additionally, emotional labor and psychological capital had a chain‐mediating effect on the association. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Work readiness not only affects newly graduated nurses' work well‐being directly but also indirectly through emotional labor and psychological capital. These results provide theoretical support and guidance for the study and improvement of newly graduated nurses' work well‐being and emphasize the importance of intervention measures to improve work readiness and psychological capital and the adoption of deep‐acting emotional‐labor strategies.