Views of recent Singapore nursing graduates: Factors influencing nurse–patient interaction in hospital settings

Background: The nurse–patient relationship is central to the provision of positive and effective care delivery. Aim: This exploratory study investigated recent Singapore nursing graduates’ experience of factors that facilitate and/or impede nurse–patient interaction in hospital settings. Design: Qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews. Methods: Individual interviews were conducted with 11 graduate nurses until theoretical saturation of ideas was achieved. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The three themes that emerged from the nursing interviews were: patient-related factors, nurse-related factors, and care culture-related factors. Conclusions: Transitioning to practice can be challenging for new graduate nurses. These findings have implications for education programs and the role of the nurse.