Experiences that Influence the Motivation to Remain in Nursing among New Graduate Nurses at Private Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the experience of newly graduated nurses in private psychiatric hospitals with continuing employment and examine the support provided. Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The participants were newly graduated nurses in psychiatric hospitals who responded freely to the interview. Data recorded using an IC recorder were analyzed thematically.

The participants were seven nurses in their second to fifth year after graduation. Before joining the hospital, they experienced finding psychiatric nursing attractive during clinical hours and decided to work at a psychiatric hospital. After joining the hospital, they were accepted as fellows in the ward and deepened their engagement with patients after many attempts at their daily work. Although they felt hostile, they continued to interact with the patients together with their ward fellows. These experiences led to the realization of the attraction of psychiatric nursing. The emotional support from the ward staff enabled them to interact with patients after many attempts and realize the attraction of psychiatric nursing through the clinical hours that supports their continuous employment.