School of Therapeutic Sciences (ETDs)

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Browsing School of Therapeutic Sciences (ETDs) by School "School of Nursing"

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    Experiences of professional nurses in providing support to student nurses in the clinical practice environment of a private hospital in Gauteng
    (2021) Jones, Jennifer
    Quality in nursing education is a global focus due to the many challenges facing healthcare the world over. Clinical learning is an important component in nursing training and nursing experiences during clinical placement are crucial to prepare the student to become safe, competent Professional Nurses. However recent studies have shown that the students’ clinical training is not always effective in preparing them for their future role. Support in the clinical environment by the Professional Nurse is crucial to assist the student to develop confidence and competence to transition into the Professional Nurse role. The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of Professional Nurses in providing support to student nurses in the clinical practice environment of a private hospital. An exploratory qualitative study using in depth interviews of fifteen Professional Nurses was done. The data collected was then analysed using thematic analysis. The identified themes and categories were discussed to offer meaning and insight. The study provided an understanding of how support of the student nurse is currently experienced and perceived by the Professional Nurse in the clinical practice environment with a view to identifying ways of improving support to the student nurse in the future. It was found that the clinical environment is unpredictable and whilst the Professional Nurses acknowledged they needed to support the student, it was often challenging to do this effectively leaving them feeling frustrated and disappointed. The study took place during the COVID -19 pandemic which caused major disruptions to the everyday functioning and operations of hospitals globally, and the study site was no exception. Recommendations to improve support to the student nurse were made in the areas of Clinical Practice, Nursing Education and Research.
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    Identification of third year midwifery skills that could benefit from simulated practice prior to clinical midwifery placements
    (2021) Singaram, Kerry-Ann
    Neophyte midwifery students often feel anxious and inadequate during their clinical placements, as they are expected to perform midwifery skills as early as their first day in the clinical environment. Midwifery educators are seeking out creative ways to create practice opportunities for their students with regards to skills practice, and simulation as a teaching strategy offers a learning environment for safe practice of skills. The use of simulation in midwifery is a fairly new concept, and its future growth is dependent upon research to provide a sound base from which it may grow and develop to meet the needs of the students. The purpose of the study was to identify key midwifery skills that could be taught and practiced using simulation prior to student midwives’ clinical placements that would better equip student midwives to manage their midwifery clinical placements. Findings from the study could serve as a foundational basis for future midwifery simulated programs. The research design and method was qualitative in nature and data was collected from focus group discussions with fourth-year student nurses and their respective midwifery lecturers. Clinical facilitators who are based in the clinical environment and responsible for the training of third year midwifery students were invited to participate in the study, however, were unable to attend. The researcher felt that, this created a limitation to the study as they might have added additional information or a different perspective about novice midwifery skills training. Findings identified specific midwifery skills that could benefit from simulated practice as well as how best skills could be practiced within facilitation of simulation in third year midwifery practice. Summary of findings included the identification of the following midwifery skills that participants identified as being important with regards to simulated practice: completion of documentation; vaginal examinations; management of second stage of labour and offering of psychological support. IV, Participants together with the researcher gives suggestions on how best simulation can be facilitated for developing confidence in neophyte student midwives before their first clinical placement. Based on the findings of this research, recommendations were made to guide midwifery lecturers when planning simulation activities.