Impact of incivility and psychological capital on nursing students’ transition shock

Background Transition shock experienced by nursing students during their clinical practicums is a relevant and worrying issue; however, the factors influencing these transitional challenges have not been fully investigated. Aim This study examined the relationship between incivility experiences, psychological capital, and transition shock among nursing students during their clinical practicums. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The participants were 202 third- and fourth-year nursing students recruited from two nursing schools in Korea. Data were collected via questionnaire. A hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the relationship between incivility experience, psychological capital, and transition shock among the participants. Findings The mean score for nursing students’ transition shock was 2.42 on a 4-point scale. Higher levels of incivility and lower levels of psychological capital were associated with higher levels of transition shock among nursing students. Discussion Nursing students experienced transition shock during their clinical practicum. Considering the negative impacts of transition shock, nursing educators should support nursing students to cope with their transition from school to a real-world clinical setting by addressing incivility, and by enhancing psychological capital. Conclusion Strategies and programs aimed at reducing incivility towards nursing students and improving psychological capital within the nursing curriculum should be implemented to help students effectively cope with transition shock during their clinical practicums.