Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42298549›Full record

ArticleBMC nursing2026

From orientation to integration: organizational leadership and mentorship for newly graduated nurses - a qualitative hermeneutic-phenomenological study.

Jette Henriksen, Ingrid Villadsen Kristensen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Jette HenriksenFaculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Levanger, Norway. jette.henriksen@nord.no.
Ingrid Villadsen KristensenDepartment of Medicine, Gødstrup Hospital, Gødstrup, Denmark.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe transition from student to registered nurse is a demanding period marked by high expectations, emotional strain, and a need for rapid competence development. Structured onboarding programs are increasingly used to support newly graduated nurses, yet little is known about how mentors and leaders perceive their significance. This study explores these perspectives to deepen understanding of organizational and relational aspects of onboarding.

methodsA qualitative hermeneutic‑phenomenological design informed by Paul Ricoeur's theory of interpretation was applied. Eight semi‑structured interviews with mentors and leaders from medical, surgical, and oncology departments were conducted. Data were analyzed through Ricoeur's three interpretive phases: naïve reading, structural analysis, and critical interpretation.

findingsFour themes described how mentors and leaders understand and enact their roles in supporting newly graduated nurses. Balancing professional commitment in nursing onboarding highlighted the importance of early experiences for confidence and long‑term retention. Navigating individuality and structure in onboarding showed how standardized expectations are combined with tailored support. Being present yet invisible illustrated how mentors create psychological safety while promoting independence and reflective learning. Oscillating between standardized competence and evolving professional identity emphasized that the structured program strengthens clinical competence, supports identity formation, and contributes to a more stable workforce. There is an indication that such structured programs support care quality, competence development, professional identity, and retention.

conclusionMentors and leaders perceive structured onboarding as a relational and developmental process that extends far beyond administrative orientation. The findings suggest that structured programs enhance psychological safety, promote competence development, and foster a coherent professional identity. These elements contribute not only to newly graduated nurses' successful transition but also to workforce stability and care quality. Investing in comprehensive onboarding initiatives is therefore essential for sustainable nursing practice.

Indexed as

LeadershipMentorshipNewly graduated nursesOnboardingProfessional identityQualitative researchTransition to practice

Identifiers

PMID42298549
PMCPMC13495472

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.