Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of newly qualified professional nurses towards health research in Umgungundlovu health district, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

New professional nurses graduate every year and begin their work in the clinical setting. To move from novice to expert professional nurses (Benner 2014:402), health research needs to be incorporated into their clinical setting and decision-making to improve patient care. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of newly qualified professional nurses toward health research within uMgungundlovu health district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and recommend methods to augment a culture of research among professional nurses. A qualitative approach using an exploratory, descriptive design was used. Focus group interviews were conducted and data saturation occurred in focus group 3. Data analysed using Creswell and Creswell’s (2018:316-321) five steps of data analysis revealed newly qualified professional nurses had a positive attitude toward health research and perceived research important for patient care, despite their knowledge being introductory. Recommendations include support to enhance the culture of research among nurses.