박민정, 김다은, 김수정

신입 간호사의 현실충격 경험: 질적연구의 메타합성

Reality Shock Experiences of Newly Graduated Nurses: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

간호사, 심리적 적응, 전문직 역할, 이직

Nurses; Adaptation, Psychological; Professional role; Personnel turnover

질적연구 27권 1호

2026년 05월

Purpose: This study synthesized qualitative evidence on the reality and transition shock experienced by newly graduated nurses to identify overarching themes and inform practical strategies that support early clinical adaptation and reduce turnover. Methods: A qualitative meta-synthesis using Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnography was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Korean (RISS, DBpia, KISS) and international databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE) were searched from inception to May 2025 for qualitative studies in Korean and English involving nurses with less than three years of experience. A total of 16 studies were included after screening 2,510 records. First- and second-order constructs were translated (as needed), compared, and synthesized into third-order interpretations, with CASP used to appraise study quality. Results: Six themes emerged: confusion from the theory-practice gap; being overwhelmed by workload and time pressure; fear regarding patient safety amid rapidly increasing responsibilities; helplessness within hierarchical relationships and organizational culture; shaken professional values and identity; and gradual adaptation through supportive environments and personal coping strategies. Conclusion: Reality shock is a dynamic, multi-level process shaped by structural workload, relational culture, and the transition of professional identity. Organizational interventions? such as staffing and workload adjustments, strengthened preceptorship and feedback culture, and education-practice linkage programs?alongside individual resilience-support strategies are necessary to promote retention and enhance patient safety.