Abstract:

Objective To understand the current work pressure of new nurses in Fujian province. Methods A mixed-method study design was adopted. The Chinese Nurses Stressor Scale was used to investigate 182 new nurses in 4 comprehensive tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 new nurses. Results The results of questionnaire survey showed that the pressure score of new nurses was （2.56±0.31）,which was in the upper middle level. The time allocation and workload dimension scores were the highest （2.95±0.46）. The work pressure of new nurses with different genders,living conditions,and departments was different（P<0.05）. Five themes were extracted from the interview data including workload and work responsibilities as the main sources of pressure,insufficient knowledge and unskilled operations that affect work confidence,low job accomplishment leading to maladaptation of the role of nurses,poor pressure regulation affecting physical and mental health and work status,and colleagues’ help and social support as the main resources pressure relieving. Conclusion The overall work pressure of new nurses is relatively high in the early stage of their career,and the pressure source is diverse. Nursing managers should actively pay attention to the work pressure of nurses and provide targeted interventions to help them successfully complete the role transition.

Key words: Personnel, Hospital, New nurses, Work stress, Mixed method research