Experiences of the newly qualified registered nurses at a national hospital in Namibia

Date
2022-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Newly qualified Registered Nurses (NQRNs) experience stress and anxiety in their first year as professional nurses. This hinders their successful transition from student nurse to competent professional nurse. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of newly qualified registered nurses at a national hospital in Windhoek, Namibia. The objectives of the study were to:  Describe the experiences of newly qualified registered nurses  Assess the various support systems available for NQRNs The study made use of a qualitative descriptive study design with a sample size n=8 from a total population of n=10 through purposive sampling. A pilot interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Elements of trustworthiness were applied to the study. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data analysis, i.e., experiences, expectations, challenges and support strategies for NQRNs. The findings were in line with Kramer’s reality shock phases of transition, which states that registered nurses initially display excitement at being a registered nurse, which quickly transforms into shock at the reality of being a registered nurse before acceptance of the reality of nursing. The findings conclude that NQRNs feel overwhelmed, despite their exposure to the hospital environment during clinical practice. Moreover, there are limited support strategies in place, thus hindering the progress of NQRNs into competent professional nurses. Recommendations include developing orientation programs and creating a conducive work environment. Key words Newly Qualified Registered Nurses, transition, support systems.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Nuut gekwalifiseerde geregistreerde verpleegkundiges ervaar spanning en angs in hul eerste jaar as professionele verpleegkundiges. Dit belemmer dus hul suksesvolle oorgang van studenteverpleegster na bekwame professionele verpleegkindige. Die doel van die studie was om die ervarings van nuut gekwalifiseerde verpleegkundiges in 'n nasionale hospitaal in Windhoek te verken. Die doel van die studie was : • Beskryf die ervarings van nuut gekwalifiseerde geregistreerde verpleegkundiges • Identifiseer die verskillende ondersteuningstelsels wat beskikbaar is vir NGGVs Die studie het gebruik gemaak van 'n kwalitatiewe beskrywende studie-ontwerp met 'n steekproefgrootte n = 8 uit 'n totale bevolking van n = 10 deur doelgerigte steekproefneming. 'n loodsonderhoud is gevoer met behulp van 'n semi-gestruktureerde onderhoudsgids. Elemente van betroubaarheid is toegepas op die studie. Die data is versamel met behulp van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude. Die gegewens is getranskribeer en geanaliseer met behulp van tematiese analise. Vier temas het uit die data-analise na vore gekom, dit wil sê ervarings, verwagtinge, uitdagings en ondersteuningstrategieë vir NGGVs. Die bevindinge was in ooreenstemming met Kramer se werklikheidskokfases van oorgang, wat lui dat verpleegkundiges aanvanklik opgewondenheid toon as geregistreerde verpleegkindige wat vinnig in skok verander oor die werklikheid om verpleegkundige te wees voordat hulle die verpleegwerklikheid aanvaar. Die bevindinge kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat NGGVs oorweldig voel ondanks hul blootstelling aan die hospitaalomgewing tydens kliniese praktyk. Daar is ook beperkte ondersteuningstrategieë in plek wat die vordering van NGGVs tot bekwame professionele verpleegkundiges belemmer.
Description
Thesis (MNur)--Stellenbosch University, 2022.
Keywords
Nurses -- Vocational guidance -- Namibia, Nurses -- In-service training -- Namibia, Nursing -- Ability testing -- Namibia, School-to-work transition -- Nurses -- Namibia, UCTD
Citation