Newly graduated registered nurses' experiences of the pre-service safety training program: A qualitative study

Background Patient safety is a top priority for the global healthcare system and a prerequisite for high-quality nursing care. In China, newly graduated registered nurses are required to receive two years of standardized training to ensure patient safety. The pre-service safety training program aims to provide safe, high-quality, and effective nursing care. However, perceptions and experiences of newly graduated registered nurses on pre-service safety training programs have not yet been explored. Objectives To investigate newly graduated registered nurses' perceptions and experiences of the pre-service safety training program in a tertiary hospital in China. Design A phenomenological approach was used for this qualitative study. Settings Tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Participants A total of 19 newly graduated registered nurses who participated in the pre-service safety training program. Methods Data were collected using semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews and analyzed using the Colaizzi seven-step framework. Results Three themes and nine sub-themes emerged: (1) satisfaction with the approaches and content of the training, (2) gaining benefits and growth, and (3) suggestions for the training. Conclusion It is meaningful for newly graduated registered nurses to receive safety training before entering clinical practice and was praised by participants for helping them improve safety competence and change safety behaviors. Continuing safety training and optimizing the training modules and evaluation methods will maximize the effectiveness of safety training.