Development of a support model for the implementation of the new nursing qualifications in South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the preparedness of Public Nursing Colleges (PNCs) in the implementation of the new nursing qualifications framework and development of a support model to provide a blueprint for the implementation of R174 programme at PNCs in South Africa. The study was undertaken at thirteen (13) selected PNCs in Gauteng, North-West, Free State and Limpopo provinces that are involved in the implementation of the new qualification. A multi-phase explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design was adopted. In the first phase, the researcher collected qualitative data with the selected principals and vice-principals, through a face-to-face semi-structured interview guide. In the second phase, quantitative data was collected from 209 educators through a self-administered and close-ended structured questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. Sequential data analysis was performed for the qualitative interview-based data by means of Tesch’s eight-step method, while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 computer programme was used to analyse the quantitative data. The results revealed that the participants found the support inadequate and reported various challenges, despite constant involvement and support from different stakeholders. The challenges for implementation of new nursing qualifications included: budget constraints for procurement of resource materials; creation of posts and hiring staff for facilitation, teaching and clinical support; lack of support from different bodies responsible for programme accreditation; uncooperative and limited commitment by key role players; lack of communication between clinical and academic settings; weak leadership and governance in planning and oversight of the preparation process; ineffective implementation of staff development programmes; inadequate funding and limiting capacity for admission of students; inconsistent Management of Information System (MIS) practices, as well as infrastructure and technology-related problems such as poor Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities to realise the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The findings indicated the need for various support systems to enhance the implementation of the new programmes in Public Nursing Colleges. Both phases indicated the need for consistent involvement or strengthening collaboration of external stakeholders in a formal quality assurance processes and upgrading of Information and Communication Technology infrastructure. Phase I indicated the need for an improved Management Information System and upgraded storage and logistics for handling teaching and learning activities. Phase II indicated a need for common standards for lecturers to support the implementation of the new qualifications, and for leadership and governance weaknesses to be addressed to support the implementation process. Based on the qualitative and quantitative findings, the researcher then developed a support model for the implementation of the R174 programme at PNCs in South Africa. The support model was examined and refined for content relevance, and accepted on the basis of consensus expert nurse educators. The model was deemed important to assist the PNCs to implement the new nursing qualification as informed by the reviewed literature and participants’ recommendations