Background: Studies have demonstrated that new graduate nurses' (NGNs) transition experience is complex and often negative leading to dissatisfaction with nursing and increased attrition. Many existing studies of NGNs' transition experience are small, qualitative, concerned with NGNs experiences in the West. No study has been conducted to date examining NGNs' transition experience in any of the developing countries where the cultural context and nursing education and practice are different to those in the West. Aim: To explore the experience of NGNs during their transition period in one of the developing countries, the Sultanate of Oman. Method: Qualitative case study utilising an embedded-single case design was conducted to investigate the transition experience of baccalaureate NGNs graduating from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and working at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH). Data were collected from the perspective of NGNs and also from the perspective of other key informants using triangulated methods. This includes individual and focus group interviews, observation and documentary analysis. Results: Four over-arching themes are identified from NGNs' transition experience in the Sultanate of Oman. These are 'Studying Experience'; 'Role Transition'; 'Working Conditions' and 'Status of the Nursing Profession'. This study showed that nursing is not an attractive choice for Omani students to study and pursue as a future career because of its low status. During the transition period, NGNs experienced reality shock which mainly resulted from a theory-practice gap. NGNs had limited practical experience but a high level of theoretical knowledge, which they were unable to utilise in practice. They found the working environment to involve many competing priorities resulting in task-orientation and compromised patient care. This study showed that many NGNs resented their involvement in basic nursing care, which they believed should not be part of their role as degree nurses. Despite the challenges of the transition period, many NGNs remarked that nurses play the most important role at the hospital and they are proud being nurses. Conclusion: Omani NGNs' transition experience is complex and similar in many respects to NGNs experience in the West. However, there are distinctive challenges Omani NGNs faced due to the Omani culture, working environment and the status of nursing in Oman.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:553469 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Al Awaisi, Huda S. |
| Contributors | Cooke, Hannah; Pryjmachuk, Steven |
| Publisher | University of Manchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/the-experience-of-sultan-qaboos-university-newly-graduated-nurses-during-their-first-year-of-practice-in-the-sultanate-of-oman(07d3cf1b-4740-416a-9bc6-e64ae57d6d12).html |
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