The Lived Experiences of Early Career Nurses During a One-Year Enhancement Training Program in Oman: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study.

BACKGROUND

The transition from nursing education to professional practice is marked by rapid professional development, increasing responsibility, psychological strain, and uncertainty. In Oman, the one-year Enhancement Training Program (ETP) was introduced to support early career nurses (ECNs) in bridging the gap between academic preparation and clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To explore and describe the lived experiences of early career nurses during the one-year Enhancement Training Program at Sohar Hospital, Oman, and to understand how these experiences shaped their transition into professional nursing practice.

METHODS

Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method guided data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 ECNs. Analysis involved repeated reading, extraction of significant statements, formulation of meanings, organization into theme clusters, development of an exhaustive description, derivation of the fundamental structure, and participant validation. Reflexivity, peer debriefing, member checking, and an audit trail supported trustworthiness.

RESULTS

Seven themes captured the essence of ECNs' experiences: (1) Transition-Related Anxiety and Uncertainty, (2) Confidence Development Through Clinical Exposure, (3) Supervisory Mentorship and Team Dynamics, (4) Learning Through Critical Clinical Encounters, (5) Navigating Patient and Family Communication, (6) Workplace Structures and Resource Pressures, and (7) Professional Identity Formation and Belonging. The experience reflected a gradual movement from uncertainty and dependence toward growing confidence, competence, and professional belonging.