Stories of NewlyEmployed Nurses in Iloilo City, Philippines

Abstract

Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare as caregivers, educators, and advocates. However, newly employed nurses often face significant challenges during their
transition into the workforce, including adjusting to new environments, managing workloads, and meeting professional expectations.This study explored the
transition-to-practice stories of six newly employed nurses in Iloilo City using Connelly and Clandinin’s (1990) narrative inquiry framework. Through in-depth
interviews and four-phase narrative analysis, five themes emerged: (1) Threads of Care, (2) Balancing the Load, (3) Adapting in Transition, (4) Evolving
Competence, and (5) Caring Beyond Skill. The findings revealed emotional strain, gradual competence development, and the pivotal role of mentorship. The
study underscores the need for structured transition programs and preceptorship models to enhance professional readiness and retention among novice nurses.
Background: Transitioning from student nurse to professional practice represents a pivotal phase in a nurse’s career. Newly employed nurses often experience
emotional turbulence, self-doubt, and skill adaptation while adjusting to the realities of healthcare settings. In the Philippine context, particularly in Iloilo City,
there remains limited literature exploring how new nurses make sense of their transition journey. Objective: This study aimed to explore and interpret the lived
employment experiences of newly employed nurses in Iloilo City, focusing on their emotional, professional, and adaptive processes during the early months of
practice. Methods: A qualitative narrative inquiry guided by Connelly and Clandinin’s (1990) framework was utilized. Six newly employed nurses were
purposively recruited through snowball sampling. Data were gathered via semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted from March to April 2025. Narratives
were analyzed using the four-phase narrative analysis: (1) field text collection, (2) interim text reconstruction, (3) interpretation, and (4) creation of final research
texts. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, audit trail documentation, and reflexive journaling. Results: Five central themes emerged: (1)
Threads of Care – A Nurse’s Becoming, (2) Balancing the Load, (3) Adapting in Transition, (4) Evolving Competence, and (5) Caring Beyond Skill. Participants
initially experienced fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, but progressively developed confidence, adaptability, and clinical competence. Mentorship and teamwork
were crucial in easing their transition. Emotional resilience and compassionate care were identified as vital foundations of professional identity. Conclusion:
The study highlights that the transition to practice among Filipino nurses is a deeply emotional and developmental process shaped by mentorship, reflective
learning, and cultural values of compassion. Structured preceptorship and mental health support are recommended to sustain readiness and retention.