Table 3 Summary of themes and sub-themes

The cheerful period

Pleasant and relaxation

Keeping a positive attitude towards learning

Avoiding nurse-patient conflict

The frustration period

Self-doubt

Helpless

Frustration

Peer support

Professional support

Need to maintain self-esteem

The adjustment period

Relieved

Managing negative emotions

Making up for the shortcomings

The competency period

Self-affirmation

Cognitive reappraisal

Transform knowledge