Community Service Nurses’ Experiences at a Public Hospital in Tshwane District, South Africa
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Authors
Nkoane, N.L
Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen
Issue Date
2020
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences , Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Health and medical services in society , Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Health and medical services in society , Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Health and medical services in society , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Alternative Title
Abstract
The South African Nursing Council (SANC), in Regulation R765 of 2007, requires every newly qualified professional nurse trained in South Africa to perform remunerated community service in a public hospital for a period of one year before registration as a nurse. However, most newly qualified professional nurses placed in a certain public hospital in Tshwane district as community service nurses request to be transferred to other hospitals before the end of their placement term. The study adopted interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), which aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of community service nurses’ experiences at a public hospital in Tshwane district, South Africa. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 11 purposively selected community service nurses. Data were analysed using Smith’s IPA framework. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) limited material resources and a shortage of health care personnel; (2) poor interpersonal relationships; and (3) a lack of professional support during the placement of community service nurses at the public hospital under study. The findings imply a lack of hospital readiness and preparedness to offer a conducive environment for community service nurses to gain the required clinical experience and skills. This has a negative impact on the nursing profession, nursing education, and patient care. Recommendations are put forward focusing on the responsibilities of the Health Ministry and the SANC, mentorship, and the transformation of nursing curricula to be contextually relevant to the country’s health care systems and resources.
Description
Citation
Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery 22 | Number 2 | 2020 15 pages
Publisher
Unisa Press.
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
2520-5293 (Online)