The purpose of this study was to clarifr the experiential process through which nurses transferring from other medical departments master psychiatric nursing. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, involving 17 nurses who had experienced other medical departments and less than 10 years of experience in psychiatry; analyses were conducted qualitatively and inductively using the modified grounded theory approach. As a result, 6 categories and 17 concepts were extracted. Nurses had [experience of a loss of pride] during the initial phase of transfer and, in nursing practice, difficulty in psychiatric nursing related to [Feelings of pain associated with the patients' situation]. However, they could perform [perspective-point transformation] by conducting [record-like model observation], leading them to regain confidence as experienced nurses and master psychiatric nursing. In addition, they could [feel rewards and benefits] through [experience of their efforts being approved of]. Emotional support during the initial phase of transfer, and continuous education to support career-improvement are necessary for nurses with such experiences.

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