Assessing Perception of Role Transition among Nurse Interns

Context: Nursing roles today constitute a vast and complex system. Nurse interns need to know their future roles to facilitate and prepare them socially to work professionally and decrease the reality shock when going outside to the labor market. Aim: This study aimed to assess the perception of role transition among nurse interns. Methods: The study was conducted in four hospitals affiliated to Ain Shams University where nurse interns have their training, namely Ain-Shams University Hospital (5 units), El-Demerdash Hospital (2 units), Pediatrics Hospital (3 units), and Cardiovascular surgery hospital. A convenient sample of all available nurse interns who started their internship in 2018 and their total number were100. Data collections included a role perception questionnaire to assess the perception of role and role transition knowledge questionnaire to assess role transition knowledge among nurse interns. Results: The present study revealed that most of the interns had low total roles perception, among 51% of the studied interns, and low total knowledge level regarding role transition among 70% of the studied interns. Conclusion:   The study concludes a low total level of role perception among more than half of the studied nurse interns and a low total knowledge level of role transition among nearly three quarters. A statistically significant relationship was revealed between nurse interns' total transition knowledge score and their age, gender, and training program attendance. The study recommended conducting a training program and continuing education for the nurse interns to promote their perceptions about their role and role transition. Further studies for studying the relationship between role transition process and stress among nurse students and assessing the clinical learning needs of nurse interns periodically are recommended. Besides, develop a training program for them to the challenges facing in clinical practice.