Work

Exploring Newly Qualified Nurses' Perception of Preparedness for Clinical Practice: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the perceived preparedness of newly qualified nurses for clinical practice, with a focus on those factors that contribute to any lack of preparedness. Being prepared for practice is essential for achieving professional goals and reducing unwanted patient and organisational outcomes. The preparedness of newly qualified nurses to practice independently is a topic of debate; however, the factors that cause a lack of preparedness have not been explored thoroughly. DESIGN: This exploratory study utilised a descriptive and contextual design and thematic analysis. METHODS: The researcher utilised a qualitative methodology for their research. The population of the study was 16 newly qualified nurses, who were chosen through convenience sampling. This study was conducted from August to October 2020 at four campuses that offered a 4-year Bachelor of Nursing Science (Clinical) (BNSc) Honours Degree. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews until the point at which data saturation was reached. Following this, thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: The analysis of the data led to the development of four themes, that is, student confidence and competence; lack of confidence and competence; resource-related challenges and suggested changes to improve perceived challenges. CONCLUSION: This study's findings have showed that newly qualified nurses experienced some contextual challenges during their four-year training in fulfilment of their professional roles; they appeared well-prepared for their clinical roles. Their contextual challenges were as a result of insufficient knowledge, a lack of clinical exposure to some departments, a theory-practice gap, and insufficient placement time for clinical practice. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The findings of this study can be used to develop targeted interventions and ongoing strategies that would inform clinical practice and future curricula development and facilitate improvement of clinical supervision and mentorship.

Source: Nursing Open

DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70328

Authors: Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala, Phellep Ndara Muhora

Institution: University of Namibia

Language: English

Topic: Nursing education and management

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390