ROLE TRANSITION EXPERIENCES OF NEWLY GRADUATED NURSING STUDENTS (NURSING INTERNEE); A QUANTITATIVE CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY AT MMC MARDAN

Abstract

Background: The transition from academic training to independent clinical practice, which is frequently characterized by reality shock and increased emotional and professional demands, presents substantial challenges for recently graduated nurses. This shift is acknowledged as a crucial factor in determining competence, retention, and long-term job satisfaction on a global scale. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role transition experiences of nursing interns at Mardan Medical Complex Hospital in Mardan, Pakistan. Methodology:137 recently graduated nursing students were chosen by convenient sampling using a descriptive cross-sectional design. A self-modified questionnaire that was adapted from earlier research was used to collect the data, and a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.75 confirmed internal consistency. Non-parametric tests were used because the normality assessment using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests revealed p-values <0.001, indicating a non- normal data distribution. Results: According to the findings, the majority of participants were male, between the ages of 24 and 26, single, and had CGPAs between 3.0 and 3.5. The majority of respondents agreed they received sufficient orientation, acquired the necessary clinical skills, effectively prioritized patient care, and felt competent in patient education, all of which contributed to positive overall perceptions of clinical competency and organizational readiness. Despite the fact that 40.1% of participants reported feeling stressed during the transition, they expressed strong confidence in their ability to make moral decisions, communicate effectively across disciplines, and be prepared to the transition program. There were no significant gender differences in competency (U = 1957.0, p = 0.766) or organizational skills (U = 1840.5, p = 0.401) according to Mann-Whitney U-tests, and there was no significant association between CGPA and competency (H = 2.222, p = 0.528) or management skills (H = 3.808, p = 0.283) according to Kruskal-Wallis tests. Conclusion: These results imply that nursing interns generally believe they are clinically competent and organizationally prepared, supported by structured orientation and teamwork, even though they are under stress. According to the study's findings, although role transition is still difficult, new nurses may find it easier and feel more confident if mentorship, clinical support systems, and organized orientation programs are strengthened.