Re‐Adaptation Experiences of Nurses Returning to Clinical Practice After Postgraduate Study: A Qualitative Study

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INTRODUCTION: The reintegration of highly educated nurses into clinical practice represents a critical challenge in global healthcare workforce management. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the re-adaptation experiences of clinical nurses who returned to practice after leaving their positions to pursue postgraduate education, to inform effective support strategies. METHODS: A phenomenological study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with nine master's-prepared nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Jiangxi Province (Feb-Mar 2025). Data were analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. RESULTS: Motivations for return included balancing ideals with reality, career advancement, and policy influences. Common barriers were role conflict, skill gaps, and workplace pressure, while institutional support and self-development facilitated reintegration. Nurses successfully adapted by integrating their new roles, seeking support, and self-adjusting. CONCLUSION: The re-adaptation process is complex and multifaceted. We recommend that hospitals establish dual clinical-research career tracks and refine tiered employment mechanisms to enhance professional identity and job fit.

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