An overview of role stress theory and recent research advances in the management of newly qualified nurses: a narrative review.

Originating in sociology, role stress theory is one of the key theories in the fields of organizational behavior and psychology. It primarily examines the stress experienced by individuals in specific roles and its effects. To date, extensive basic and empirical research has been conducted in various fields, including education and healthcare. Newly qualified nurses generally experience high levels of role stress, which causes various discomforts in their work and poses challenges for nursing human resource management. An in-depth exploration of the current characteristics of role stress among newly qualified nurses and corresponding management strategies holds significant theoretical value and practical significance. This narrative review synthesizes existing evidence-based findings. Recommendations for the intervention and management of role stress among newly qualified nurses should adhere to the core principles of early intervention, continuous support, and multidimensional integration. By systematically integrating individual psychological interventions with organizational management interventions and addressing the evolving needs of newly qualified nurses at different stages, it is possible to fundamentally improve their role adaptation and achieve the dual objectives of increasing retention rates and ensuring the quality of nursing care. Future research should focus on enhancing the methodological quality of intervention studies, conducting more high-quality randomized controlled trials, and integrating intelligent management technologies. It should also strengthen the tracking and evaluation of long-term intervention outcomes to continuously optimize management strategies and create a more supportive work environment for the growth and development of newly qualified nurses.