Purpose: This study was aimed to explore and analyze the experiences of nurses regarding department transfers following the sudden closure of a ward due to the collective resignation of residents. Methods: Data were collected from November 1 to 29, 2024, and a qualitative content analysis was employed. The participants were 11 nurses who were transferred to different departments following a ward’s sudden closure owing to the residents’ collective resignation. Results: A total of six themes and 24 sub-themes were identified. the first theme is ‘After the resident left, the ward was closed’. The second theme is ‘Various job placements were assigned after the ward’s unfortunate closure’. The third theme is ‘Difficulty adjusting to the new environment and leaning to adapt’. The fourth theme is ‘Changes in the nurse-physician relationships’, and the subtheme is ‘Surprised by doctors seeking nurses' opinions due to the absence of residents. The fifth theme is ‘Become an expert at adapting’. The sixth theme is ‘Worries about the future and a faint glimmer of hope’. Conclusion: This study highlights the challenges nurses encountered in adjusting to new departments following the unprecedented mass resignation of residents and the ensuing ward closure. Nurses initially faced difficulties, feeling expendable in the new environment. However, through the support and collaboration of their colleagues, they demonstrated resilience and adapted effectively. The study also noted that, despite the absence of residents, direct communication between medical staff and patients continued to function smoothly, facilitating their involvement in treatment planning alongside specialists and professors. Although departmental transfers can lead to increased job stress for nurses, successful adaptation during these transitions fosters professional growth by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and influence. Furthermore, knowledge sharing among nursing staff contributes to the overall development of the organization. To promote both personal growth and organizational advancement, nursing managers must actively listen to nurses’ perspectives about departmental transfers and provide compassionate support to assist in their adaptation. Creating an organizational culture that recognizes and values the contributions of colleagues who have undergone transfers is essential. By establishing a systematic approach that facilitates successful adaptation and fostering a positive, accepting nursing culture, departmental transfers can be transformed into an effective strategy for enhancing the professionalism and capabilities of nursing staff.