Clinical practice is the core of nursing education during which the student is socialized into the nursing profession. During this period, there is transfer of knowledge and skill from qualified nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team to student nurses. The purpose of this study is to describe and explore student nurse’s experiences of clinical accompaniment in a public hospital in Gauteng Province by means of a qualitative approach that included the exploratory, descriptive and contextual study. Three focus group interviews were conducted with students and one with clinical accompanists. Qualitative methods included categorizing and coding. The major findings of the research revealed that participants regarded relationships and communication as important for clinical accompaniment. Both student nurses and unit supervisors expected nurse facilitators to accompany students in clinical settings; but some hospital staff members did not perceive clinical accompaniment to be their task. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Clinical practice is the core of nursing education during which the student is socialized into the nursing profession. During this period, there is transfer of knowledge and skill from qualified nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team to student nurses. The purpose of this study is to describe and explore student nurse’s experiences of clinical accompaniment in a public hospital in Gauteng Province by means of a qualitative approach that included the exploratory, descriptive and contextual study. Three focus group interviews were conducted with students and one with clinical accompanists. Qualitative methods included categorizing and coding. The major findings of the research revealed that participants regarded relationships and communication as important for clinical accompaniment. Both student nurses and unit supervisors expected nurse facilitators to accompany students in clinical settings; but some hospital staff members did not perceive clinical accompaniment to be their task. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Text in English / This study explores and describes the perceptions of student nurses regarding professional nurses as role models in the clinical learning environment. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative approach was followed. The population for this study was the final year students in the programme: Bridging course for enrolled nurses leading to registration as a general nurse. Nonprobability, quota sampling was done. The study was conducted at two Gauteng campuses of a private nursing education institution. Two “World Café” conversations were conducted where after data saturation was achieved. The three major themes that emerged were professionalism of the professional nurse, the need for student support and the teaching and learning environment. From the students’ feedback it was evident that professional nurses should be aware of the important role they play in the professional and personal development of students. Professional nurses as role models should portray the professional behaviours and attitudes required by the profession. Students have a vision of how they expect to be when they qualify as professional nurses. Recommendations from this study relate to the three themes identified and clearly indicate that students have a realistic expectation of and a need for visible role models in the clinical learning environment. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Professional nurses comprise the largest number of health care professionals in South Africa. High turnover rates contribute to shortages of nurses in South Africa, aggravated by the emigration of nurses, inadequate recruitment of student nurses, and the expected retirement of many baby boomer nurses by 2016. This study addressed factors influencing the retention of professional nurses in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. In phase 1, postal questionnaires were completed by 101 registered nurses while semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nurse managers in phase 2. Personal, organisational and managerial factors influenced the retention potential of the professional nurses. In terms of Maslow' Hierarchy of Needs Theory, most factors influencing nurses' retention operated on the lowest (physiological) level and concerned remuneration. Safety needs were compromised by the lack of equipment and supplies, the shortage of nurses and unsafe working places. Esteem needs included respect from doctors, managers and colleagues as well as recognition for outstanding performance. In terms of Vogt et al's Theory of Nurse Retention Theory, the constrictions caused by inadequate remuneration and safety aspects should be addressed. Lewin's Force-Field Analysis Theory recommends that the factors that influence nurses' retention negatively should be unfrozen, changed and refrozen, including communication. Based on these results guidelines were compiled for enhancing the retention rates of professional nurses (Annexure G). / Health Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Professional nurses comprise the largest number of health care professionals in South Africa. High turnover rates contribute to shortages of nurses in South Africa, aggravated by the emigration of nurses, inadequate recruitment of student nurses, and the expected retirement of many baby boomer nurses by 2016. This study addressed factors influencing the retention of professional nurses in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. In phase 1, postal questionnaires were completed by 101 registered nurses while semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nurse managers in phase 2. Personal, organisational and managerial factors influenced the retention potential of the professional nurses. In terms of Maslow' Hierarchy of Needs Theory, most factors influencing nurses' retention operated on the lowest (physiological) level and concerned remuneration. Safety needs were compromised by the lack of equipment and supplies, the shortage of nurses and unsafe working places. Esteem needs included respect from doctors, managers and colleagues as well as recognition for outstanding performance. In terms of Vogt et al's Theory of Nurse Retention Theory, the constrictions caused by inadequate remuneration and safety aspects should be addressed. Lewin's Force-Field Analysis Theory recommends that the factors that influence nurses' retention negatively should be unfrozen, changed and refrozen, including communication. Based on these results guidelines were compiled for enhancing the retention rates of professional nurses (Annexure G). / Health Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)