J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2025 Apr;31(1):49-58. 10.22650/JKCNR.2025.31.1.49.

The Effect of Reality Shock on the Turnover Intention Among New Graduate Nurses: The Mediating Role of Social Support

• Choi YR
• Choi SY

• KMID: 2567677
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2025.31.1.49

Abstract

Purpose
The study aimed to examine the mediating effects of social support on the relationship between reality shock and turnover intention among new graduate nurses.
Methods
This study included 146 new graduate nurses working in hospitals located in state G. Data were collected from August 9, 2023 to January 15, 2024. Data was collected through a survey. For data analysis, SPSS/WIN 25.0 program was used. The data were identified with frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Baron and Kenny’s 3-stage procedures. The statistical significance of the mediating effects was verified using the PROCESS macro model 4.
Results
Social support exhibited a negative correlation with reality shock (r=-.47, p<.001) and turnover intention (r=-.61, p<.001). Additionally, there was a positive correlation (r=.67, p<.001) between reality shock and turnover intention. Notably, social support had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between reality shock and turnover intention (β=.49, p<.001).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that social support serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between reality shock and turnover intention among new graduate nurses. Consequently, it is recommended that efforts be made to improve social support through institutional and legal improvement and the development and implementation of programs aimed at reducing turnover intention among new graduate nurses.

Keyword

Nurses; Personnel Turnover; Shock; Social Support