Main Article Content
Transition support needs of novice clinical nurse educators at a public nursing college in Gauteng, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Expert professional nurses require support as they transition from hospital settings to nursing colleges as clinical nurse educators. This support enhances the quality of clinical education for student nurses. Novice clinical nurse educators believe that transitioning may be easier if there is a dedicated support system.
Objective: To explore and describe the transition support needs of novice clinical nurse educators at a public nursing college in Gauteng province, South Africa.
Methods:
Design: A single case study design to qualitatively explore the transition support needs of novice clinical nurse educators.
Setting: A public nursing college in Gauteng province, South Africa.
Participants: Purposive sampling method was used to select the study participants with the assistance of the College research committee members. Participants' e-mail addresses were used to send invitations. The study population comprises eight novice clinical nurse educators, six experienced clinical nurse educators, and two heads of department. Data were collected from the beginning of June 2020 to the end of July 2020 using a semi-structured interview guide. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, individual in-depth interviews lasting an average of twenty-three to forty-five minutes’ duration were conducted telephonically. The telephonic interviews were conducted via the phone speaker and were audio-recorded using a recording device and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analysed.
Findings: One primary theme emerged from the data, namely transition support needs, with four categories: professional socialization, mentorship, structured orientation programme and supportive work environment.
Conclusions: The process of role transition from expert professional nurse to clinical nurse educator is complex and includes challenges such as inadequate preparation, limited orientation, and the need for collegial support.
