‘Navigating the uncharted waters’- Transition experiences of novice advanced practice nurses in China: a descriptive phenomenological study

Transitioning to the role of advanced practice nurses is dynamic and challenging. Deeply exploring the transition experience and developing corresponding intervention strategies can make the transition smoother. China’s development of advanced practice nursing remains at a nascent stage, exhibiting localized characteristics. However, limited knowledge exists regarding experiences, feelings, and challenges of advanced practice nurses in the region. This study explored the transition experiences of novice advanced practice nurses in China. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was used. Twenty-three advanced practice nurses were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. “Navigating the uncharted waters” was the overarching theme, which linked four themes: (1) being constrained by the practical environment; (2) reconstructing professional identity; (3) bearing multiple burdens; and (4) steering my own course. The study found that, notwithstanding institutional barriers and an unfamiliar environment, these participants actively reconstructed their professional identities to meet evolving expectations, shouldered workload, interpersonal, and psychological burdens, and steered their own course through the initial transition phase. Furthermore, distinctive characteristics were identified among Chinese advanced practice nurses, specifically the phenomenon of “disguise” in their work practice and a strong aspiration for a graduate degree. This study reveals that the role transition for advanced practice nurses is a complex and demanding process, profoundly shaped by the practical environment. The findings further highlight the importance of adaptive copingbehaviours, particularly personal resilience and proactive learning. Healthcare institutions, nursing organizations, and national policymakers should offer strong support by enhancing educational programs and developing transition plans, thereby creating a positive environment for advanced practice nurses. Future longitudinal research should explore the experiences of advanced practice nurses throughout various career stages and identify the factors that influence their professional trajectories. Our study does not report healthcare interventions on human participants. Clinical trial number: not applicable.