Abstract
Background: Transition experience to professional nursing practice is well documented as complex and multi-faceted process. The quality of the transition experience affects how well new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) integrate into their new identity and impact on their short and long term commitment toward the profession. NGRNs transition experience from nursing student to registered nurse in Singapore however remain under-evaluated owing to limited studies presented in local context. Purpose: The aim of this study sought to examine; (i) how do new graduate registered nurses in Singapore personally experience transition from nursing student to registered nurse? (ii) what are the factor(s) that could affect their personal transition experience? Methodology: This study utilize mixed-method design, which involves sequential approach with two distinct but linear phases: quantitative --> qualitative. The initial phase involved quantitative survey approach with new graduated registered nurse (n=30) having to complete and graduate from a pre-registration nursing educational programme in Singapore using 42-item self-constructed questionnaire. The second phase consisted of a focus group with participants (n=5) who volunteered after completing the survey. Results: NGRNs overall rated their transition experience and final clinical placement as nursing students positively. NGRNs however also reported experiencing some degree of unpreparedness, which reflects Marlene Kramer's description of reality shock. This was compounded by the need to undertake heightened responsibilities required of a registered nurse, yet faced with clinical experience and knowledge limitation. The need to also keep up with the higher expectation to demonstrate proficiency in delivery of clinical skills held by patients, relatives, colleagues and supervisors, and the consequences of not doing so further intensify their feeling of stress and erodes their confidence level during transition. Conclusion: Findings of this study was consistent with the international literature, where NGRNs in Singapore also experiencing some degree of unpreparedness and inadequacy upon commencing their practice.
Sigma Membership
Upsilon Eta
Lead Author Affiliation
The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
New Graduate Registered Nurse, Personal Transition, Transition Experience
Recommended Citation
Woo, Ming Wei Jeffrey and Newman, Stuart Andrew, "Transition from nursing student to registered nurse in Singapore: The personal experiences" (2018). General Submissions: Presenations (Oral and Poster). 58.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/gen_sub_presentations/2018/presentations/58
Conference Name
Sigma's Psi Beta Chapter Event
Conference Host
Psi Beta Chapter, Silliman University
Conference Location
Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City, The Philippines
Conference Year
2018
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Transition from nursing student to registered nurse in Singapore: The personal experiences
Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City, The Philippines
Background: Transition experience to professional nursing practice is well documented as complex and multi-faceted process. The quality of the transition experience affects how well new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) integrate into their new identity and impact on their short and long term commitment toward the profession. NGRNs transition experience from nursing student to registered nurse in Singapore however remain under-evaluated owing to limited studies presented in local context. Purpose: The aim of this study sought to examine; (i) how do new graduate registered nurses in Singapore personally experience transition from nursing student to registered nurse? (ii) what are the factor(s) that could affect their personal transition experience? Methodology: This study utilize mixed-method design, which involves sequential approach with two distinct but linear phases: quantitative --> qualitative. The initial phase involved quantitative survey approach with new graduated registered nurse (n=30) having to complete and graduate from a pre-registration nursing educational programme in Singapore using 42-item self-constructed questionnaire. The second phase consisted of a focus group with participants (n=5) who volunteered after completing the survey. Results: NGRNs overall rated their transition experience and final clinical placement as nursing students positively. NGRNs however also reported experiencing some degree of unpreparedness, which reflects Marlene Kramer's description of reality shock. This was compounded by the need to undertake heightened responsibilities required of a registered nurse, yet faced with clinical experience and knowledge limitation. The need to also keep up with the higher expectation to demonstrate proficiency in delivery of clinical skills held by patients, relatives, colleagues and supervisors, and the consequences of not doing so further intensify their feeling of stress and erodes their confidence level during transition. Conclusion: Findings of this study was consistent with the international literature, where NGRNs in Singapore also experiencing some degree of unpreparedness and inadequacy upon commencing their practice.