LAUSR

AIMS To explore work readiness among newly graduate nurses transitioning to practice in Saudi Arabia. BACKGROUND Many challenges encounter newly graduate nurse when transitioning to practice. Higher work readiness has been associated with smooth transitioning to practice. However, little is known about work readiness among newly graduate nurses in Saudi Arabia. METHODS Cross-sectional convenience sample of 174 participants. RESULTS The mean score of work readiness was 338.8 (SD = 69.6). Weekly working hours correlated with organizational acumen (r=0.208, p <0.01), social intelligence (r=. 217, p <0.01), work competence (r=.173, p <0.05), and the number of weeks since the start of internship training (r=.180, p <0.05). There were significant mean differences in: a) personal work characteristics based on the country (t = 5.582, p < .001) and university from which they graduated (f = 15.618, p < .001); b) organizational acumen based on having a second job (t = - 2.18, p = .03), university from which they graduated (f = 1.837, p = .002), and whether the hospital was the first-choice preference (t = - 2.837, p = .005), and nursing was the first choice of study (t = - 2.879, p = .005); and c) work competence based on the university from which they graduated (f = 5.267, p = .006). CONCLUSIONS Findings showed work readiness of newly graduate nurses in Saudi Arabia's context. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Findings have important implications for nurse managers to better design and implement transition to practice programs for newly graduate nurses to improve their preparedness in their nursing careers.