Newly Graduated Nurses' Experiences of Interprofessional Communication: A Qualitative Study

Nurses play a pivotal role in interprofessional communication, but newly graduated nurses often face challenges in effective communication. This study explores newly graduated nurses' experiences in interprofessional communication. A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Thirteen nurses, within their first year of employment in the general ward at tertiary hospitals, participated in in-depth interviews from April to May 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, following the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Four main themes and 13 subthemes emerged, highlighting challenges such as one-way communication lacking respect, difficulty applying learned skills, and environmental obstacles such as a fast-paced work setting and inadequate communication tools. Participants addressed difficulties through various efforts, and successful communication fostered teamwork and confidence in their professional roles. Addressing interprofessional communication complexities is critical, given nurses' essential role in patient care coordination. Targeted education to improve interprofessional communication is essential to overcome these challenges. Effective communication strengthens a crucial aspect of a nurse's role, contributes directly to patient safety and quality of care, and creates a supportive culture for newly graduated nurses.