Effect of clinical teaching behaviours on transition shock in graduate nurses

Abstract Aim This study aimed to explore the impact of preceptor clinical teaching behaviours on transition shock in graduate nurses using bi‐directional feedback between graduate nurses and clinical preceptors and to assess preceptor clinical teaching behaviours. Design This was a descriptive cross‐sectional study. Methods This study was conducted from January‐February 2019. Participants included graduate nurses ( N = 117) and clinical preceptors ( N = 908) from a major public tertiary hospital in Western China. Results Overall level of transition shock of graduate nurses was moderate ( mean = 89 SD 17.54). Transition shock level of graduate nurses rose with the increasing of time in clinical work. Intensive care unit graduate nurses suffered the strongest transition shock, whereas surgery graduate nurses suffered the least. Graduate nurses thought that clinical preceptors were best at evaluation and feedback, whereas clinical preceptors thought they were best at showing concern and support. The primary factors associated with transition shock in graduate nurses were the time admitted to the hospital, feedback, and evaluation, use of appropriate teaching strategies, and showing concern and support, explaining 63.5% of the total variation in transition shock in graduate nurses. Conclusion In Western China, where the development of economic and medical conditions lag, transition shock is a major obstacle to the professional development of graduate nurses and clinical teaching behaviours is the key to overcoming transition obstacles. However, the serious shortage of nurses makes it difficult to not only complete heavy clinical nursing work but also to undertake the teaching of students and graduate nurses. The clinical teaching system is influenced by many factors. Focusing on clinical teaching behaviours and transition shock in graduate nurses will provide valuable data for future intervention studies. Implication The findings of this study will be of interest to managers at all levels and will enable them to support graduate nurses by engaging in excellent clinical teaching behaviours. In the clinical teaching process, giving more feedback and evaluation, improving the ability of using appropriate teaching strategies and focusing on the physical and mental health of graduate nurses may effectively decrease transition shock of graduate nurses and reduce the turnover rate.