Experience of New Graduate Nurses in Nurse Residency Programs During the COVID-19 World Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Individuals who entered any nursing program during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) world pandemic were exposed to a different and chaotic learning environment. The goal of this study was to describe the experience of 452 new graduate nurses (NGNs) who entered the profession between 2020 and 2022. Method: This study was a qualitative thematic analysis of an open-ended survey from the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program ® (PTAP ® ). Results: The thematic analysis resulted in five themes: the pandemic was a significant disruptor, the program was a generally negative experience, the quality of the preceptors and mentors made a difference, the content of the program made an impact, and the residency program prepared NGNs for the RN role by building confidence and promoting relationship building and a sense of community. Conclusion: The 2020–2022 world pandemic created a challenging environment for NGNs to enter nursing and had implications for practice. [ J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(2):87–93.]