Effects of group psychological counseling on transition shock in newly graduated nurses: A quasi-experimental study

AIM This study examined the effects of group psychological counselling on transition shock in newly graduated nurses. BACKGROUND Newly graduated nurses are often faced with transition shock as they enter the workforce. Helping them adapt to the new work environment and role as quickly as possible is an important goal for nursing managers. METHOD This prospective, parallel-group, quasi-experimental trial enrolled 71 newly graduated nurses who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 41) group. In addition to routine hospital training, the intervention group received psychological counselling. Participants were evaluated with the Transition Shock Scale of Newly Graduated Nurses before (pre) and after (post) the training with or without intervention. RESULTS The total score and score on each dimension of the scale were decreased after the intervention (P < .05); control subjects showed no difference between pre- and post-scores. The total score and score on each dimension were higher in the control group than in the intervention group (P < .05). CONCLUSION Psychological counselling alleviates transition shock in newly graduated nurses entering the workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nursing managers can introduce group psychological counselling into their training programmes to increase the job readiness of newly graduated nurses.