Newly-graduated nurses´ work-integrated learning : A qualitative study from an educational and occupational perspective

• Aim: The aim of this study was to describe newly graduated nurses´(NGNs´) experience of work-integrated learning (WIL), from an educational and occupational perspective.Background: NGNs often find themselves unprepared to meet occupational demands on their competence on entering working life, and express difficulties integrating educational theory into a practical context. Qualitative and effective WIL becomes particularly important for NGNs to develop the competence required to handle the transition from education to working life.Design: This is a qualitative, descriptive study with an inductive approach.Methods: Seven focus-group discussions were performed and subjected to qualitative content analysis.Results: The results revealed that WIL for NGNs includes personal mastering of several professional roles: a self-directed and collaborative learning role, a relational nursing role, and a transition from a student role to a collegial role. Furthermore, WIL entails adapting to organisational requirements, including development of contextual workplace knowledge and understanding; striving for confidence in medical-technical performance; and developing an experience-based understanding of clinical situations.Conclusion: The results reveal that WIL is complex, encompassing adaptation to roles and personal capabilities that increase new graduates´competence and preparation for work. In addition, WIL requires personal commitment to one’s own learning as well as organisational and social support. 

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Utbildningsvetenskap -- Lärande (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Educational Sciences -- Learning (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Arbetslivsstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Work Sciences (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Utbildningsvetenskap -- Pedagogik (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Educational Sciences -- Pedagogy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Focus group discussions

Nursing education

Professional development

Transition

Qualitative content analysis

Work-based learning

Work-integrated learning

Work Integrated Learning

Arbetsintegrerat lärande

Vårdvetenskap

Nursing science

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)