Newly Qualified General Nurses' Experiences of Internship: A Republic of Ireland Cross-Sectional Study
Citation:
Lydon, C, Mooney, M., O' Brien, F., Newly Qualified General Nurses' Experiences of Internship: A Republic of Ireland Cross-Sectional Study. In Book of abstracts international research conference, UCD SNMHS (2023) Inaugural International Research Conference: Scanning Horizons, Driving Change, Building a Healthier World. Dublin UCD SNMHS, University College Dublin, August 10, 11th 2023Abstract:
Background/ Aim
Pre-registration nursing education varies across the globe. The uniqueness of the Irish degree in
general nursing is the inclusion of a 36-week internship placement. The aim of internship is to
consolidate theoretical learning and support the achievement of clinical competence. Some countries
include internship as part of the transition phase, but Ireland includes internship as part of the
undergraduate degree. The aim of this study was to ascertain Newly Qualified General Nurses’
(NQGNs) experiences of internship and identify the value of it in preparing them for transition to the
role of registered nurse.
Method
The phase one findings of a sequential explanatory mixed methods study are presented. Data were
collected using Experience of Internship Questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the
Research Ethics Committee, Trinity College Dublin.
Results
In total, 193 NQGNs completed the questionnaire. Most respondents (92.8%, n=128) agreed or
strongly agreed that internship consolidated their learning and helped them to link theory to practice.
Just over two thirds of respondents (69.6%, n=96) were satisfied with the opportunities made available
to them to advance the knowledge and skills required for registration. The respondents were provided
with an opportunity to explain reasons for dissatisfaction. The main reasons provided were staff
shortages, which hampered their learning (n=16), particularly in relation to accompanying nurses on
medication rounds and preparing intravenous medications under supervision. Some respondents
reported dissatisfaction with a lack of opportunity to practice necessary clinical skills (n=5).
Conclusion
The results from phase one showed a good level of satisfaction with internship and opportunities to
link theory to practice. However, areas for improvement such as opportunities in medication
management under direct supervision and other key skills were also identified. The impact of staff
shortages on student learning during internship were highlighted particularly in relation to gaining
experience in key skills.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/mooneyma
Author: Mooney, Mary
Other Titles:
Book of abstracts international research conference.UCD SNMHS (2023) Inaugural International Research Conference: Scanning Horizons, Driving Change, Building a Healthier World. Dublin UCD SNMHS.
Publisher:
university College DublinType of material:
Conference PaperAvailability:
Full text availableSubject (TCD):
NURSING EDUCATION , Nursing , Undergraduate EducationMetadata
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