J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2025 Feb;27(1):94-103. 10.7586/jkbns.25.004.

Factors influencing perceived preceptor empathy and nursing practice readiness on field adaptation of new nurses in South Korea: a cross-sectional descriptive study

• Jang K
• Choi H

• KMID: 2565139
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.25.004

Abstract

Purpose
This descriptive survey-based study was conducted to identify factors affecting new nurses’ field adaptation in relation to preceptors’ empathy and nursing practice readiness. Methods: The participants of this study were 170 new nurses who voluntarily agreed to take part in this study and had been working for 12 months or less after completing their preceptorship at three general hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed with the t-test, analysis of variation, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The factors that most strongly influenced field adaptation were nursing practice readiness (β = .41), above average satisfaction with the nursing job (β = .27), and below average satisfaction with the nursing job (β = −.26), in descending order. The total explanatory power of these variables was 52%. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that increasing new nurses’ field adaptability requires the development and application of training programs focusing on nursing knowledge, interpersonal skills, and professionalism to help them improve nursing practice readiness. In addition, policies and systems need to be developed that can improve their satisfaction with the nursing job.

Keyword

Nurses; Professional practice; Empathy; Preceptorship