Masters Degrees (Nursing and Midwifery)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Nursing and Midwifery) by browse.metadata.advisor "Chikte, U. M. E."

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    Research supervision needs and experiences of master's students in nursing
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Bock, Evelyn Marieta; Khondowe, Oswell; Chikte, U. M. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science.; Gilbert, Evelyn Marieta
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Research supervision forms an essential part of higher education. The emergence of global trends in the production and dissemination of knowledge is compelling universities and university of technologies in South Africa to become more market-orientated, competitive and entrepreneurial. The supervision process is vital to successful completion of the research component of master’s degrees and consequently increase throughput in higher education. Successful and meaningful supervision contribute largely to mutual satisfaction and professional development between supervisors and students. Good supervision should be an integral component of quality research governance. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore research supervision needs and experiences of the master’s students in nursing. Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological research design was used with a qualitative research approach. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select respondents in this study. The target population includes all nursing science master’s students enrolled at University of Stellenbosch in the past three years (N=109). A sample size of twelve students was included in the study, whereby all twelve face to face interviews were conducted using the semi-structured interview guide. The inclusion criterium for students was that they were all currently registered students who initially enrolled for the Masters in Nursing degree program between 2008 and 2010 in the division of Nursing at Stellenbosch University. Results: Eight themes arose from the interviews. These included: isolation; lack of skills/ time management; family dynamics/personal circumstances; supervisor support; student and supervisor roles and responsibilities; workplace dynamics and support; financial and institutional support and implications; and motivation to complete studies. Conclusions: Successful completion of research undertaken on postgraduate level and supervision at a master’s level depend on a healthy and productive relationship between the supervisor and the student. Exploring and implementing the guidance and suggestions in this paper will assist students in considering supervision preferences. This in turn will result in achieving a good supervisory relationship which is the key to successful master studies.