Transitional Shock in Newly Graduated Registered Nurses From the Perspective of Self-Depletion and Impact on Cognitive Decision-Making

Background: Newly graduated registered nurses face more challenges than their experienced counterparts, as they not only confront the high pressures of an increasingly complex medical environment but also need to quickly adapt to their jobs and role transitions. The emotional burden arising at this stage is referred to as transitional shock. Self-depletion, as proposed by Baumeister, refers to the process by which individuals exhaust their internal psychological control resources when facing challenges, subsequently affecting cognition and emotion. The occurrence of transitional shock and the process of individual self-depletion appear to be closely related. However, to our knowledge, there has been limited research exploring the occurrence of transitional shock from the perspective of self-depletion theory.Aim: Investigating the emergence process of transition shock through the lens of self-depletion theory entails an examination of the mechanisms by which individuals engage in self-regulation when confronted with challenges and how transition shock manifests throughout this process.Designs: A descriptive qualitative study.Methods: Between August and November 2023, using maximum variation sampling and purposive sampling methods, 16 nurses were selected for semistructured interviews at a tertiary hospital in Suzhou, China.Results: Employing thematic analysis, three interconnected themes were identified, encompassing the entry-level workforce challenges, the subsequent effects of energy depletion, and the sources and replenishment of energy.Conclusion: As new nurses adapt to their roles and environments, they encounter numerous pressures that markedly drain their psychological energy. This ongoing depletion of self-regulation energy can lead to transitional shock, impulsive decision-making, and missed nursing care.Implications for Nursing Management: Managers should implement comprehensive support strategies, including optimized work environments, enhanced training, and personal development, to help newly graduated nurses successfully transition and improve care quality and retention.