Workplace Challenges of Newly Employed Nurses in Hebron: A Cross-Sectoral Study of Public and Private Hospitals.

Introduction: Newly employed nurses often experience professional, psychological, and organizational challenges that may compromise their well-being, job satisfaction, and performance. Understanding these challenges in the Palestinian context is vital to inform supportive interventions. Objectives: To assess the types and levels of workplace challenges faced by newly employed nurses in public and private hospitals in Hebron, Palestine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 167 nurses with one year or less of experience, recruited purposively from six hospitals. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering four domains: personal adjustment, patient and family interactions, workplace violence, and healthcare system challenges. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Participants reported a moderate overall level of challenges (mean = 3.01). The most common issues were stress affecting performance, high workload, and sleep deprivation. Patient and family interactions (mean = 3.05) and healthcare system challenges (mean = 3.05) were rated highest, while workplace violence (mean = 2.99) and new nurse adjustment issues (mean = 2.96) also reflected moderate burdens. No significant differences were found by gender, education level, or hospital type; however, departmental differences were significant, with pediatric nurses reporting the greatest challenges ( Conclusion: Newly employed nurses in Hebron face moderate, department-specific challenges shaped by systemic inefficiencies and cultural dynamics. Targeted interventions such as structured orientation, mentorship, workforce development, and stronger protections against workplace violence are essential to improve retention, job satisfaction, and the quality of healthcare delivery in Palestine.