Table 1.

Experiences during the transition to professional practice

Theoretical domain	Themes	Subthemes	Codes
Doing phase	Transition experience	Honeymoon phase	- Initial excitement -Eager for work
		Shock experience	- Encountered new things -Realities of clinical practice -Anxiety about fitting in. - Pressure to do the right things - Fear of making mistakes.
		Inadequate preparedness for clinical practice	- Limited hands-on experience
		Theory-practice gap	- Difficulty translating theory to practice
Being phase	Recovery and adaptation to new roles	Transition programs	- Internship training is useful. - Early orientation - Preceptorship and mentorship. - Training opportunities
		Supportive work environment	- Working with supportive workmates - Favourable work policies
Knowing phase	Confidence and challenges during transition.	Employment challenges	- Unemployment -Difficulty getting employment - Mistrust for bachelor-trained nurses - Lack of scope of practice - Perceived as expensive
		Poor work conditions	- Heavy workload - Low pay - Mental health struggles from the working conditions
		Mistreatment and inadequate mentorship	- Poor supervision and mentorship - Bullying and mistreatment - Negative criticism and feedback
		Unrealistic expectations	- Expected to know everything - Expected to be different from diploma/certificate nurses - Lack of practical skills
		Confidence in clinical practice	- Gained experience, knowledge and skills - Interpersonal skills - Feeling competent -Self-awareness - Integration into healthcare