Magister Curationis - MCur / Introduction: The enrolled nurse is an important category of nurse in the health team. Regulation 2175 is the course leading to enrolment as a nurse, according to the South African Nursing Council, in terms of the Nursing Act 33 of 2005 as amended. This category has completed the training programme R2176 which is a course leading to enrolment as an auxiliary nurse. This level of training occurs in accredited hospitals schools, however it appears, from observation and personal experience, that pupil nurses experience many problems and programme does not have high pass rates. There has been no formal investigation of this situation. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that promote or inhibit nursing students’ success in qualifying for entrance to the SANC R2175 final examination at one of the nursing schools in the Western Cape. The objectives were (i) identify factors that promote or inhibit learning amongst the pupil nurses; and to (ii) determine the perceptions of educators with regard to factors related to the pupil nurses success or failure. Methods: The study used a multi-method approach. A quantitative, explorative and descriptive design was applied. Target population (N=90), consisted of student nurses following the course leading to registration as an enrolled nurse (R2175) according to Nursing Act No 33 of 2005. Convenience sampling was used to select participants to respond to a questionnaire which was used to collect data. In qualitative approach the target population consisted of nurse educators (N=6). Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the focus group interview. Ethics: Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University of Western Cape and the University of Cape Town. Informed consent was obtained from the students and from the educators prior the commencement of the study. The questionnaire was pretested to ensure to ensure reliability and validity. Quantitative data was analysed with the help of the University statistician and was expressed in frequency tables and factor analysis. Qualitative data was analysed using coding to develop categories and themes with the help of the supervisor. Results: The results showed that academic performance by place of residence had a significant difference between the urban and rural students (x2 (1) = 0.014). The marital status of the student showed significant association with academic performance (x2 (3) = 0.021). The association between support from family and academic performance was significant (x2 (1) = 0.008). The focus group discussion with the nurse educators confirmed and supported some of the finding of the student survey. Recommendations: Some of the researcher’s recommendations included: a review of the recruitment and selection process; review of the curriculum; review of the value of bursary; reinstatement of the bridging programme and the implementation of preceptors in the clinical facilities.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of the nurse educator in supporting pupil nurses. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used with a questionnaire as data collection instrument. The sample included pupil nurses following the two year programme for enrolment as a nurse at one of the sub-campuses in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The results revealed that support was offered in the classroom and in the clinical field, though some of the pupil nurses were not happy with the clinical allocations. It was revealed that they were sometimes used as part of the workforce. There was a significant difference between means for the four aspects of support (classroom teaching, clinical teaching, assessment and motivation). The mean ranking for classroom and clinical teaching, were significantly higher than for assessment and motivation. Recommendations with reference to nursing education and further research regarding specific aspects of pupil nurse support were made. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health studies)

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of the pupil nurses at their second year level towards clinical support at the private hospital in the Limpopo Province. Qualitative approach including exploratory, descriptive and contextual study design was followed. The target population for this study included pupil nurses at their second year level (n=20) following a two year programme leading to enrolment as a nurse from a private nursing education institution in the Limpopo Province. Data was collected utilizing written narratives, and focus group interviews. Field notes and audio tape were used to capture data. Data saturation was reached on twelve participants. Data were thematically analysed using Tesch’s method of open coding. The results revealed lack of clinical support. Lack of clinical support was attributed to inadequate educators for accompaniment, registered nurses’ uncaring attitude and not fulfilling their mentorship role, and pressure on pupil nurses to meet the high clinical demands. Pupil nurses were found not to be assuming full responsibilities over their practical learning. Therefore, it is mandatory as nurse educators, managers and researchers to take note of the gaps identified and intervene utilising recommendations provided to enhance clinical support. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

The aim of this study was to determine the role of the nurse educator in supporting pupil nurses. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used with a questionnaire as data collection instrument. The sample included pupil nurses following the two year programme for enrolment as a nurse at one of the sub-campuses in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The results revealed that support was offered in the classroom and in the clinical field, though some of the pupil nurses were not happy with the clinical allocations. It was revealed that they were sometimes used as part of the workforce. There was a significant difference between means for the four aspects of support (classroom teaching, clinical teaching, assessment and motivation). The mean ranking for classroom and clinical teaching, were significantly higher than for assessment and motivation. Recommendations with reference to nursing education and further research regarding specific aspects of pupil nurse support were made. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health studies)