The competencies of newly qualified nurses as viewed by senior professional nurses

Abstract

Descriptive surveys were employed to investigate the competencies of newly qualified nurses (NQNs) as viewed by senior professional nurses (SPNs). The study used questionnaires for collecting data. Questionnaires were delivered by the researcher and also collected by the researcher after completion. SPNs working at thirteen hospitals, that is, six in the former Gazankulu, three in the fonner Venda, and four in the form.er Lebowa health services (falling within the Northern Province of the RSA since April 1994) constituted the subjects of this study. Scientific sampling techniques were not employed as the total population of 396 SPNs was studied. This study obtained responses from 259 SPNs. Findings indicated that specific cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies were expected ofNQNs upon entering the work setting, as perceived by SPNs. NQNs were perceived to be competent in performing numerous, but not all, clinical competencies which were outlined in the four groups' questionnaires. Application of stages of the nursing process (problem solving and clinical judgement), research, management and administration of a clinical unit, nursing ethics and critical care were perceived by the SPNs to be the central focus ofNQNs' incompetency in all four clinical nursing units, namely community, psychiatric, midwifery and general units. Nevertheless, SPNs were aware that they should provide guidance and support to NQNs. An attempt to elicit SPNs' views on the competencies NQNs should have in the practical situation, could benefit NQNs at grassroots level. Such information could provide curriculum developers with realistic input which would assist in the delineation and refinement of the professional competencies expected of nurses trained in the comprehensive course leading to registration as a nurse (general, psychiatric, and community) and midwife. The identified competencies could improve the quality of care and the nursing standards if they could be mastered by NQNs in the health services included in this research. On the basis of these research findings, the expected competencies, which were perceived by the SPNs to be incompetently performed by NQNs, were used to compile an orientation list of competencies to be mastered by NQNs in their first professional position (Annexure D).