The Experience of Transition from a Civilian Staff Nurse to an Air Force Staff Nurse: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Transitions in nursing have consistently been described as complex, problematic, and stressful. While the literature is replete with studies investigating role transitions in civilian healthcare settings, no studies have investigated the same experiences among nurses in the United States Air Force. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to explore and describe the lived experience of transition from civilian staff nurse to Air Force staff nurse. An analysis of seven interviews, following Colaizzi’s method, identified three themes and thirteen sub-themes. The results indicated that new Air Force nurses encounter similar struggles as those reported in the civilian literature. Challenges related to a lack of knowledge and role preparedness led to feelings of stress and frustration. Support from peers, mentors, and managers helped the new Air Force nurses bridge the gap in knowledge and successfully integrate into the military culture. Efforts to reduce the perceived lack of knowledge through improvements to the Commissioned Officer Training (COT) program are recommended.