Educational needs for new graduate nurses in Korea

New nursing graduates often experience difficulty adjusting to clinical work environments, despite completing well-structured education programs. This study explored the educational needs of recent nursing graduates from the perspectives of new nurses and their clinical educators in Korea. Four focus-group interviews with 7 nurse educators and 8 new nurses were conducted. Data were analyzed using Patton's inductive content analysis. Five analytic categories emerged: communication skills that build good relationships, managing unexpected situations, prioritization, practical experiences, and different ways of delivering education. Educators and new nurses agreed that communication skills are essential in building and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Future educational programs for new graduate nurses should reflect the needs of nurses and their educators so new registered nurses can successfully make the transition to expert nurses. •Clinical educators and graduate nurses wanted education to improve communication skills and managing unexpected situation.•Communication skills and rapport building go together like “cogwheel,” which are critical for new nurses’ adaptation to work.•Educational programs for new nurses need to be continuously modified and improved by reflecting the demands of nurses.