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Introduction of a Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing workforce : A qualitative study of student and registered nurses
Mcbrearty, Katherine Zordan, Rachel McInnes, Elizabeth Murphy, Jade Riddell, Kathryn Walker, Virginia Jacob, Elisabeth
Mcbrearty, Katherine
Zordan, Rachel
McInnes, Elizabeth
Murphy, Jade
Riddell, Kathryn
Walker, Virginia
Jacob, Elisabeth
Abstract
Aim
To explore the benefits and challenges of a recently introduced Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing workforce from the perspective of Nurses and Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing, in a major metropolitan hospital in Australia in 2020.
Design
A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken using individual interviews and focus groups.
Methods
Purposively selected employed Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing and nurses who worked with them were interviewed, using a semi-structured format. Recordings were transcribed and coded using NVivo software. Reflexive thematic analysis using an inductive approach was undertaken.
Results
Four major themes were revealed: (i) Navigating the programme, (ii) Belonging and integration; (iii) Patient care; and (iv) Continuing Development. Initial challenges were common, often related to clarifying the scope of practice for the new role. Ongoing issues were associated with gaps in understanding the role and lack of integration into the team. Mostly, nurses and Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing built positive, professional relationships. Nurses valued the Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing knowledge and skill level, reporting improved workload and work experiences when the Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing was on shift. Nurses believed that the Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing enhanced patient care. Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing described positive, therapeutic relationships with patients. Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing employment provided opportunities for new learning, leading to increased efficiency and confidence on clinical placement.
Conclusions
This employment model benefited the Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing and nurses who worked with them. In the absence of adequate training and support, challenges remained unresolved and negatively impacted the experience for nurses. In addition to university-level education and clinical placement, the employment model can create a third space for student learning via on-the-job training. The study supports the ongoing employment of student nurses through the Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing model.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care
Impact
• This study contributes to the very small body of literature investigating Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing workforces in Australian hospitals. It is the first to explore the experiences of both nurses and students working together in a major metropolitan setting and also the first in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This study reflected a mostly positive experience for Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing and the nurses who worked with them and highlighted the importance of adequate oversight and support in the implementation and maintenance of a Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing workforce.
• Employed Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing reported improved confidence, skills, and felt like they started clinical placement at an advantage, ready to step up and learn the Registered Nurse scope of practice.
• In addition to university-level education and clinical placement, this employment model creates a third space for learning via on-the-job training.
Reporting Method
COREQ guidelines were followed in the reporting of this study.
Patient or Public Contribution
No patient or public contribution.
Keywords
COVID-19, employment model, nurse, nurse assistant, qualitative, registered nurse, RUSON, student, workforce
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Book
Volume
80
Issue
9
Page Range
3745-3756
Article Number
ACU Department
Nursing Research Institute
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.