Work Environment, Self-Efficacy, and Organizational Identity Predict Work Adaptation in NGNs: A Latent Profile Analysis

Newly graduated nurses represent a crucial human resource for ensuring healthcare safety and quality. This cross-sectional study identified distinct profiles of work adaptation among 611 Chinese NGNs from 17 hospitals throughout nine provinces in China and explored how these profiles relate to key workplace and individual factors. Using latent profile analysis on data concerning work adaptation, we identified three distinct profiles: high adaptation, moderate adaptation and low adaptation. Analyses revealed that, compared to the low adaptation profile, higher levels of self-efficacy, recognized climate, and professional autonomy were significant factors associated with membership in both the moderate adaptation profile and high adaptation profile. Furthermore, male gender and adequate staffing were distinguishing factors specifically for the high adaptation profile. The findings indicate that a substantial majority of NGNs have significant potential to improve their work adaptation. Consequently, nursing managers should prioritize developing tailored, profile-specific interventions, particularly for nurses in the low and moderate adaptation groups, to foster a more successful transition into the workforce.