Work readiness of newly graduated nurses transitioning to practice in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: To explore work readiness among newly graduated nurses transitioning to practice in Saudi Arabia. Background: Many challenges encounter newly graduated nurses when transitioning to practice. Higher work readiness has been associated with smooth transitioning to practice. However, little is known about work readiness among newly graduated nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Cross-sectional convenience sample of 174 participants. Results: The mean score in work readiness was 338.8 (SD = 69.6). Weekly working hours correlated with organizational acumen (r = 0.208, p ≤ 0.01), social intelligence (r = 0. 217, p ≤ 0.01), work competence (r = 0.173, p ≤ 0.05) and the number of weeks since the start of internship training (r = 0.180, p ≤ 0.05). There were significant mean differences in a) personal work characteristics based on the country (t = 5.582, p < 0.001) and university from which they graduated (f = 15.618, p < 0.001); b) organizational acumen based on having a second job (t = −2.18, p = 0.03), university from which they graduated (f = 1.837, p = 0.002) and whether the hospital was the first-choice preference (t = − 2.837, p = 0.005) and nursing was the first choice of study (t = −2.879, p = 0.005); and c) work competence based on the university from which they graduated (f = 5.267, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The findings showed the work readiness of newly graduated nurses in Saudi Arabia's context. Implications for Nursing Management: Findings have important implications for nurse managers to better design and implement a transition to practice programs for newly graduated nurses to improve their preparedness in their nursing careers.