20^th Global Nursing Education Conference

Biography

Biography: Julia L Mafumo

Abstract

Background: Nursing is a clinical based profession where nurses need to be taught about providing nursing care in the clinical environment. The clinical environment plays an essential part in student nurses' learning it empowers the student with skill and competency.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges faced by students during placement regarding clinical supervision at the selected hospitals in Vhembe district, Limpopo province.

Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, contextual and descriptive design was used. The population consisted of the learners registered for R425 Programme leading to registration as a nurse. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants.

Data Collection: Data was collected by means of focus group discussion interviews. Data were collected until data saturation was reached.

Data Analysis: The researcher used the process of bracketing. Themes that emerged were challenges regarding the staff and challenges regarding the allocation.

Ethical Consideration: The researcher sought for approval to collect data from the appropriate authority at the University of Venda, the Provincial Department of Health.

Results: Most learners expressed dissatisfaction regarding clinical supervision in the units. They indicated that there was poor support given to learners because the professional nurse concentrates much more on patient care and not learners. Students' comments confirmed that there are challenges regarding clinical supervision of students.

Conclusion: The organization of the supervision was of significance with regard to the pedagogical atmosphere and the students' relation with professional nurses in the clinical environment. Training institutions and clinical learning areas need to come together to improve the challenges in clinical supervision.