Recently in Japanese public hospitals the workload of nurses has increased significantly due to shortened length of stays; admission of patients with acute and complex conditions; implementation of electronic medical record systems; increasingly complex technology, and a rise in ethical problems. These affect the working and learning experiences of all nurses. Little is known however, about the experiences of novice nurses who begin work in such environments and sometimes leave because of pressure or work problems.

Objective:

This qualitative study explored the experiences of novice nurses to determine their needs for educative assistance and support at work, and to help retain them in the workplace.

Methods:

Tape recorded interviews were conducted with 22 novice nurses at a public hospital. The phenomenological approach of Colaizzi (1978) was used to gather and analyse data by extracting and clustering themes and meanings of these.

Results: In this small exploratory study seven themes emerged: Troubles with senior nurses; Flexibility with nursing techniques; The ideal versus the reality of practice; Relationship difficulties with patients and family; Uncertainty about be able to care; Comparing self abilities with other novice nurses; and Too tired to learn more.

Participants believed relationships with senior nurses were difficult, and were reluctant to ask for support from seniors or preceptors they did not know well, in keeping with traditional Japanese culture-bound communication practices. This caused nervousness, and a lack of confidence to do their work. Moreover, some ethical issues arose because the participants did not know the right way to act.

Conclusions: Novice nurses need more support and assertiveness training when working in busy environments. Their preceptors and senior nurses require education, and ways to consult better in future regarding such support.

Key words: novice nurse, phenomenology, Japan