Work readiness of nursing graduates : Current perspectives of graduate nurse program coordinators
- Authors: Missen, Karen , McKenna, Lisa , Beauchamp, Alison
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Nurse Vol. 51, no. 1 (2015), p. 27-38
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The transition from nursing student to graduate remains problematic internationally with issues arising concerning graduates’ work readiness upon commencing employment. Aim: This exploratory study specifically investigated perceptions of graduate nurse program coordinators on the work readiness of nursing graduates, with the aims of identifying strengths, weaknesses and challenges that exist. Design: Qualitative descriptive design. Methods: Sixteen graduate nurse program coordinators were interviewed from various healthcare services in the state of Victoria, Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to disclose reoccurring themes and sub-themes. Findings: This paper reports on one theme, preparation readiness, and three sub-themes associated with this theme; clinical skills deficits, communication issues and transitioning as an enrolled nurse to a registered nurse. Conclusions: There are several areas of weaknesses and challenges for nursing graduates in their preparation for practice. As a poorly understood area, evidence from this study will inform curriculum development and transition programs, not only in Australia, but also internationally.
Is simulation a substitute for real life clinical experiences in Midwifery? A qualitative examination of the perceptions of educational leaders
- Authors: McKenna, Lisa , Bogossian, Fiona , Hall, Helen , Bady, S , Fox-Young, Stephanie , Cooper, Simon J.
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nurse Education Today Vol. 31, no. 7 (2011), p. 682-686
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper describes the perceptions of midwifery educational leaders concerning the potential for simulation to provide a realistic experience in midwifery education. A qualitative design was employed using focus groups which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Eleven focus groups were conducted with 46 key midwifery academics across Australia. Three main themes emerged relating to realism and simulation in midwifery practice: 'we already use a lot of simulation', 'level of realism of manikins', and 'some things cannot be simulated'. Simulation is currently widely used in midwifery education, but this is limited due to realism of available models and equipment. Despite this, within a woman-centred, holistic approach to care there are many aspects of midwifery practice that cannot be easily simulated. There is a need for research and development of realistic simulation approaches to support the enhanced use of simulation. Furthermore, strategies for developing approaches that reflect midwifery care provision need to be developed.