The Lived Experiences of Newly Hired Gen Z Nurses Working in A Selected Hospital in Laguna, Philippines

Newly hired Generation Z (Gen Z) nurses face significant challenges as they transition from academic preparation to professional nursing practice. Heavy workloads, workplace expectations, interpersonal interactions, and the need to adapt to fast-paced hospital environments all affect their early clinical experiences. Moreover, this study explored the lived experiences of newly hired Gen Z nurses at a selected hospital in Laguna, Philippines, focusing on their professional tasks and responsibilities, workplace challenges, coping mechanisms, adaptation to hospital culture, and personal and professional growth. A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed. Fifteen newly hired Gen Z nurses were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking and adherence to established ethical principles. Four major themes emerged from the participants' narratives: embracing professional roles and responsibilities, navigating clinical and workplace challenges, adapting coping strategies, and fostering personal and professional growth. The findings revealed that newly hired Gen Z nurses developed confidence and clinical competence by assuming accountability for patient care, applying evidence-based nursing practices, and fulfilling their professional responsibilities. The study concluded that the successful transition of newly hired Gen Z nurses into professional practice depends on supportive workplace environments, effective mentorship, collaborative teamwork, and opportunities for continuous learning. Strengthening structured orientation programs, preceptorship, mental health initiatives, and professional development opportunities is recommended to promote nurse retention, well-being, competence, and quality patient care among newly hired nurses in hospital settings.