The purpose of this study was to explore the work-related experiences of the newly qualified nurses and their views about their own performance adequacy, in clinical area in a Public Hospital in Gauteng Province during their first year of clinical professional practice. The objectives of this study were to explore the work-related experiences of the NQNs and their views about their own performance adequacy in clinical practice during their first year of clinical professional practice, and to describe the work-related experiences of the NQNs and their performance adequacy in the clinical area during their first year of clinical professional practice. An exploratory, descriptive and interpretative qualitative research was selected using a narrative approach to data collection. Benner‟s model of novice to expert guided the research. The research was conducted with thirteen newly qualified professional nurses. NQNs, who trained in the nursing college that is associated with the selected hospital, and who were in their first year as professional nurses, were consciously and purposefully selected using the snowballing method. Ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study. In line with the story theme, Owen (1984)‟s model of data analysis was used. Five major themes and five sub-themes emerged from the data. Two levels of analysis were used in developing meaning from the narratives. The results revealed that transitioning from student nurse to becoming a newly qualified nurse is challenging, shocking and humiliating.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for the Degree of Master of Arts / This Study examined the relationship between work status, job satisfaction. parental satisfaction, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The sample comprised 101 White South African nurses living in an urban area. They were all married and had at least one child under 13 years of age living at home. Forty of tbe nurses were employed full-time. 29 part-lime and 32 nurses were housewives. ( Abbreviation abstract ) / AC2017

Mini-dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, 2008. / A survey method was employed to investigate the perceptions of nurses in eThekwini towards homeopathy. The aim of this study was to answer the following questions: What does the nursing community in the eThekwini region know of homeopathy? Does homeopathy have a role to play in a hospital setting in the context of South Africa? The study population was all nurses with 5 years experience or more working in hospitals in the eThekwini region. The sample was drawn from 6 public and 5 private hospitals and included staff nurses and professional nurses. A total of 330 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 200 questionnaires were returned (60.6%). A total of 93 nurses (46.5%) responded from the public sector and 107 nurses (53.5%) from the private sector. The study was carried out using a questionnaire as a measuring tool. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics using frequency tables and bar charts. The Pearson’s Chi Square Test was used on selected data. The majority of respondents were female (94%) and were between the ages of 26-35 and 36-45 years. Most of the respondents had been practising for 6-10 years and 11-15years. 19% of the total number of respondents had never heard of homeopathy and 10% indicated that they were quite familiar with the homeopathic profession. Of those respondents who had never heard of homeopathy, 71.1% were in the public sector and 28.9% in the private sector. Of those respondents who answered that they were quite familiar with homeopathy, 14.3% were in the public sector and 85.7% in the private sector. With regards to legitimacy of homeopathy most nurses working in the private hospitals (60.1%) perceived homeopathy to be a legitimate form of health care as compared to nurses working in public hospitals (39.9%). Generally, both groups considered communication and co-operation with homeopaths to be very poor. In total 79.49% of respondents said it would be beneficial to improve communication between the professions. The majority of respondents (70.06%) perceived that homeopathy does have a role to play in a hospital setting. Only 29.94% of respondents perceived that homeopathy had no role to play in a hospital setting. This indicates that many respondents perceive that integrated medicine is needed in a hospital setting. This study reveals that the respondents had a positive view of homeopathy in general, and were open to learning more about it, and to cooperate with homeopaths. The finding that knowledge of homeopathy is low, and communication between the two professions is poor, can be addressed through suitable publicity and education programmes. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, 2008. / A survey method was employed to investigate the perceptions of nurses in eThekwini towards homeopathy. The aim of this study was to answer the following questions: What does the nursing community in the eThekwini region know of homeopathy? Does homeopathy have a role to play in a hospital setting in the context of South Africa? The study population was all nurses with 5 years experience or more working in hospitals in the eThekwini region. The sample was drawn from 6 public and 5 private hospitals and included staff nurses and professional nurses. A total of 330 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 200 questionnaires were returned (60.6%). A total of 93 nurses (46.5%) responded from the public sector and 107 nurses (53.5%) from the private sector. The study was carried out using a questionnaire as a measuring tool. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics using frequency tables and bar charts. The Pearson’s Chi Square Test was used on selected data. The majority of respondents were female (94%) and were between the ages of 26-35 and 36-45 years. Most of the respondents had been practising for 6-10 years and 11-15years. 19% of the total number of respondents had never heard of homeopathy and 10% indicated that they were quite familiar with the homeopathic profession. Of those respondents who had never heard of homeopathy, 71.1% were in the public sector and 28.9% in the private sector. Of those respondents who answered that they were quite familiar with homeopathy, 14.3% were in the public sector and 85.7% in the private sector. With regards to legitimacy of homeopathy most nurses working in the private hospitals (60.1%) perceived homeopathy to be a legitimate form of health care as compared to nurses working in public hospitals (39.9%). Generally, both groups considered communication and co-operation with homeopaths to be very poor. In total 79.49% of respondents said it would be beneficial to improve communication between the professions. The majority of respondents (70.06%) perceived that homeopathy does have a role to play in a hospital setting. Only 29.94% of respondents perceived that homeopathy had no role to play in a hospital setting. This indicates that many respondents perceive that integrated medicine is needed in a hospital setting. This study reveals that the respondents had a positive view of homeopathy in general, and were open to learning more about it, and to cooperate with homeopaths. The finding that knowledge of homeopathy is low, and communication between the two professions is poor, can be addressed through suitable publicity and education programmes.

This study investigated the experiences of paediatric care nurses in a public, resource-poor hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal to. A mixed methods design was used . The quantitative aspect focused on how contextual factors influenced nurses’ perceptions of the hospital ward where they worked. The Moos Ward Atmosphere Scale was used to assess ward environment. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale was used to explore the role of various aspects of vicarious job burnout. The study took place in four phases, baseline, pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention. Quantitative analysis was done to explore possible relationships in burnout and ward atmosphere. A repeated (paired) measures t-test design was used to compare the pre- and post-intervention data, to test if the intervention process had any effect on the ward atmosphere and nurse burnout. As this was a small data set, quantitative analysis was done as an exploration for future research. The qualitative aspect explored how the intervention was utilized; how nurses talked about their issues in the support group and what issues they reported. Thematic analysis was used as the focus of this research was describe the experiences of nursing in a resource-poor setting, with the expectation that this could raise complex and new challenges faced in the context of HIV and AIDS. Although nurses in this study reported many challenges resulting from health sector problems, such as the shortage of staff and resources, they did not achieve high scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The possible reasons for this are explored. The study also revealed that newly employed nurses expressed having more miscommunication problems with caregivers and other staff members. Other themes identified included, lack of HIV and AIDS disclosure, stressors related to the current South African context and trauma as a result of the death of patients and colleagues. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

This study examines the Professional nurses' knowledge and understanding of AIDS/HIV infection. The Professional nurses that participated in the study, are those working in a specialised institution which caters for tuberculosis and psychiatric patients, and those suffering from oesophageal and lung cancer; and the patients with orthopaedic problems. Knowledge explored is specifically related to AIDS/HIV infection, which includes the causes, mode of spread of infection, symptoms, diagnostic tests available, prevention, complications and identification of high risk groups. The sample was formed by 53 Professional nurses; 27 being those that have done the AIDS counselling course, and 26 who have not done the course. To collect data, questionnaires were sent to the participants. Apart from the questionnaires, focus group interviews (21 participants) were done to elicit any information that may not be obtained through the use of a questionnaire. The theoritical framework used is a combination of two theories, Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Fear of Contagion Theory. Cognitive Dissonance Theory assumes that people want to maintain consistency with their beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviour. People confronted with examples of their own inconsistency in these areas, will experience psychological discomfort and be motivated to eliminate the inconsistency. Fear of Contagion Theory developed as a response to perceived threat of catching the disease/infection. Three behaviours characterise this fear:- avoidance, taking extreme precautions, and verbal expression of fear regarding the disease. As a result, apart from looking at factual knowledge, one had to identify the behaviors that relate to this theoretical framework. These included fear, avoidance, taking extreme precautions and dissonance/discomfort. These areas are covered in the questionnaire as well as in the interview with the focus group. The results show high knowledge of general information, including the mode of spread. Lack of knowledge in identification of high risk groups, symptoms, diagnostic tests and use of universal precautions in specific areas was identified. Fears and dissonance are found to be caused by lack of knowledge, aggravated by the fact that the disease is incurable, as it was expressed by the focus groups. Uncertanty was marked with regard to the use of protective clothing. Some participants responded in a manner that showed the use of extreme precautions, while others were unsure in such a way that in the end they indentified different protective clothing for the similar situations. In areas where knowledge deficit was identified, it was discovered that the Trained AIDS Counsellors had better knowledge than those that have not done the course except for universal precautions. On looking at the programme it was discovered that the use of universal precautions was not included in the programme and this might be the cause for the uncertainty. The difference between the two groups might have been in the understanding gained from knowledge acquired during the counselling course, since both groups were exposed to the same enviroment, policies and circulars regarding caring for HIV infected patients. Although the results showed the numerical differences, it was surprising that in certain sections when these differences were tested statistically, no statistical difference was shown between the two groups. This might have been due to the small sample used. There are respondents that showed a negative attitude towards caring for AIDS/HIV infected patients; unfortunately no further questions were asked to explore this aspect. This is a shortfall of this study. It is clear that AIDS/HIV infection is a challenge to all professionals, since it has become one of the leading causes of death. It is then believed that nurses should be equipped with adequate knowledge so as to be able to care for those suffering from AIDS/HIV infection. In conclusion it was clear that AIDS/HIV infection is a challenge for all professionals. / Thesis (M.Cur.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1993.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is on the increase globally, with further increases expected in developing countries, such as South Africa. World Health Organization (Medical Chronicle, 2006:14) estimations indicate that the number of DM sufferers will double over the next 30 years. This increasing number of diabetics is expected to have enormous economical implications. One of the consequences of the increase in DM sufferers is the increase in deaths due to diabetes related complications. In 2000, 3.2 million people died of DM and diabetes related complications compared with 3 million who died from HIV/AIDS related illnesses (William & Pickup, 2004:64). Health services are financially burdened by DM complications that result in heavy demands in both direct costs of hospitalization and medication as well as indirect costs such as manpower of staff involved in the care of the patient (Leuner, 2000:410). Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a prominent life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus and, if not treated medically, it can lead to coma and death. DKA accounts for 14 per cent of all diabetic related hospital admissions and has a mortality rate of 5 to 10 per cent (Pickup & Williams, 2003:1). Rapid identification of DKA is necessary to improve patient care. George- Gray and Chernecky (2002:96) suggest patient outcomes are affected by the nurse’s ability to recognize the clinical features of DKA. It is important, therefore, for the nurses to understand the signs and symptoms and treatment of this diabetes related complication. National health policies and treatment guidelines should be aimed at addressing DKA treatment through setting guidelines for diabetic care (Peters, 2004:22). The main goal of this study was to determine registered nurses’ knowledge of DKA and to develop guidelines to assist registered nurses in providing adequate and effective health care to prevent DKA reoccurrence. The research study is based pm Bergam’s model on quality of care and accountability. Bergman claims that several preconditions must be filled in order to be accountable, including: • Accountability • Responsibility • Authority • Ability (Bergman (1982:8) emphasizes that ability reflects the registered nurses’ accountability, which is composed of values, knowledge and skills.) The study was divided into two phases. Phase one determined registered nurses’ knowledge related to the management of DKA. Phase two of the study included the developing guidelines to assist registered nurses in providing adequate and effective health care to patients with DKA. The design of the study is quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual; a survey was performed using a questionnaire based on a literature study. Ethical principals were maintained throughout the study. Permission to the study was sought from the Local Health Authorities and the heads of department where the research was undertaken. Findings of the research were analysed and discussed in the research. The knowledge of the majority of the respondents was found to be average. Out of the thirty- two respondents 52.8 percent possessed adequate knowledge the management of DKA and 63.4 percent possessed adequate knowledge on the management of DM. Two recommendations to assist registered nurses in the implementation of guidelines of the recommendations were also provided.

The growing pandemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) is continuing to spread around the world with developing countries being most vulnerable. Diabetes mellitus is the direct cause of 5 percent of deaths worldwide at present, with an expected increase of 50percent in the next 10 years. Diabetes mellitus was virtually unknown in Africa at the start of the 20th century but the incidence is expected to increase by 80 percent by 2025. South African estimates indicate that at present there are up to four million people living with DM in South Africa, with an expected rise of 25 percent by 2020. If DM is not adequately controlled, life-threatening complications ensue, resulting in financial, physical and emotional costs both for people living with the condition and for their families. There is also a great financial burden on the state, both directly due to the cost of providing health care and indirectly due to loss of productivity and a reduced tax base. Global initiatives against DM include the Diabetes Strategy for Africa compiled by the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization. There are several forms of DM with Type 2 being the most common with an estimated 95% of cases. Optimal glycaemic control is essential for the management of DM, potentially allowing the course of the disease to be slowed or halted. The previous medical model of management of chronic disease has changed to an empowerment approach where the person living with the condition is a partner in the management process. This is particularly true of DM where all aspects of life are affected by the condition. During Phase One of this study, a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual approach was utilized to explore and describe the experiences of persons living with DM and of diabetes nurse educators who assist them in Nelson Mandela Bay. During Phase Two, a conceptual framework was created and utilized to develop strategies which professional nurses may use in facilitating self-management by persons living with DM. Persons living with DM experience a definite initial experience on diagnosis of DM but gradually gain an acceptance and acknowledgment of their condition. They have definite views on the concept of self-management and experience both positive and negative factors influencing self-management. They also have definite ideas on how professional nurses may assist them in achieving self-management. These findings were confirmed ii by the experiences of the diabetes nurse educators who formed the second group of participants in this study. The ACE approach to self-management of DM consists of an Action Strategy, a Coordination Strategy and an Education Strategy. The ACE approach makes use of grand and functional strategies implemented on the macro (national), meso (provincial) and micro (local) levels to enable the professional nurse to assist persons living with DM to achieve self-management of their condition. Grand strategies need to be implemented on a macro or meso level to enable the professional nurse to function effectively on a micro level. Assisting the patient has to go beyond merely improving knowledge about the condition but has to include individual goal setting as well as problem solving skills and coping strategies as part of a therapeutic relationship between the professional nurse and the person living with DM. The level of personal responsibility achieved by persons living with DM is affected by the memes which they hold regarding their level of health and their ability to address any barriers to self-management which they may experience. Making use of the process of the therapeutic relationship, the professional nurse is able to positively influence the memes held by persons living with DM and assist them in achieving a greater level of personal responsibility. The therapeutic relationship is potentially influenced by all three of the strategies described above. This study provides insight into the experiences of persons living with DM and of the diabetes nurse educators who assist them in Nelson Mandela Bay. Recommendations regarding the implementation of a National Diabetes Policy on a macro level are made, as well as recommendations for nursing practice, education and research. The strategies which were evaluated by an Expert Panel provide a tool for the professional nurse to use while assisting persons living with DM by facilitating the growth of personal responsibility leading to self-management.

Text in Afrikaans / 'n Opname is onder geregistreerde verpleegkundiges in diens van plaaslike besture onderneem met die doel om 'n perspektief op die gehalte van hul werkslewe te verkry, faktore te identifiseer wat hulle motiveer om 'n loopbaan in plaaslike besture te kies en die faktore te identifiseer wat werkstevredenheid positief /negatief be"lnvloed. Ontleding van die data het aangedui dat negatiewe faktore in die werkslewe soos onder andere die gebrek aan deelname in besluitneming en beperkte loopbaangeleenthede werksontevredenheid tot gevolg kan he. Positiewe faktore soos die geleentheid om gereelde diensure te werk en die status wat geregistreerde verpleegkundiges in die gemeenskap geniet, bevorder werkstevredenheid. Dit is hoofsaaklik hul belangstelling in primere gesondheidsorg en die geleentheid om gereelde diensure te werk wat geregistreerde verpleegkundiges motiveer om 'n loopbaan in plaaslike besture te kies. Aanbevelings om die kwaliteit van die werkslewe van geregistreerde verpleegkundiges te verbeter en werkstevredenheid te bevorder, is geformuleer. / A survey was undertaken among registered nurses in the service of local authorities to obtain a perspective on the quality of their worklife, to identify factors that influence registered nurses in local authorities and to identify those factors that influence the quality of the worklife and job satisfaction positively /negatively. Analysis of the data indicated that negative factors in the worklife such as limited participation in decision-making and limited career opportunities could lead to dissatisfaction in the work situation. Positive factors such as the ability to work regular hours and the status of registered nurses in the community promote job satisfaction. It is mainly their interest in primary health care and the opportunity to work regular hours of duty, that motivate registered nurses to choose a career in local authorities. Recommendations to improve the quality of the worklife of registered nurses and to promote job satisfaction were formulated. / Nursing Science / M.A. (Verpleegkunde)

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses in the Ethekwini Municipality District regarding the inclusion of homoeopathy in Primary Health Care. Nurses working in Primary Health Care facilities were approached to conduct this study. The objectives of this study was to make nurses and their patients alike aware of an alternative to conventional medicine, and to the fact that homoeopaths are medically trained practitioners. The survey method used was a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses towards homoeopathy. The study population was nurses with a minimum of 3 years of general nursing experience, working in Primary Health Care in the Ethekwini Municipality District. The data was collected and analysed statistically using SPSS version 19. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 108 (52.68%) questionnaires were returned with 100 correctly completed and then analysed. The results reflected that 74% of participants felt that homoeopathy should be made available at hospitals and clinics. 69% of participants agreed (strongly agreed or agreed) that homoeopathy should play an active role in the Primary Health Care system in South Africa. The target group’s attitudes were positive as 58% of participants said they would personally use homoeopathy as a source of Primary Health Care. The majority of the participants (71%) felt that homoeopathy should be available as a treatment for most conditions. The study demonstrated an otherwise positive trend of support of those Primary Health Care nurses surveyed toward the possible inclusion of homoeopathy in Primary Health Care. Further research into the nature of such integration and the potential contribution of homoeopathy and homoeopathic practitioners is warranted. This study has established a perceived requirement for Primary Health Care nurses to be exposed to education programs which may introduce the concepts of CAM, homoeopathy and its regulations in South Africa. These nurses may then reliably guide their patients that have a historical use or future need of such services. Generalisation of results and conclusions regarding the perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses regarding homoeopathy can be tentative.