Exploring Novice Nurses' Experiences During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected how nurses learn and prepare for their future careers. This study explored the experiences of college-prepared, novice nurses pursuing a baccalaureate degree during the first wave of the pandemic. Method: This qualitative descriptive study analyzed students' individual reflective assignments describing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on novice nurses' personal, professional, and educational lives. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) emotions generated in the clinical workplace due to the lack of control and the unknown of working as novice nurses during a pandemic; (2) cognitive dissonance of the nursing role regarding novice nurses' moral distress and their growing empowerment within the scope of practice; and (3) a disconcerted image of nursing with contrasting views of nursing from the public's perspective and a disconnect between frontline workers and decision makers. Conclusion: Novel pedagogical strategies are needed to help novice nurses cope with stress, uncertainty, and role challenges to foster healthy learning in academic and working environments. [ J Nurs Educ . 2023;62(8):461–466.]