SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.16 issue1Young South Africans' views on, and perceptions of, abstinence and faithfulness'No condom, no sex': Easy to say, but not possible for all South African women author indexsubject indexarticles search
Home Pagealphabetic serial listing  

Services on Demand

Article

Indicators

Related links

  • On index processCited by Google
  • On index processSimilars in Google

Share


Health SA Gesondheid (Online)

On-line version ISSN 2071-9736
Print version ISSN 1025-9848

Health SA Gesondheid (Online) vol.16 n.1 Cape Town  2011

 

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

An exploration of personal, relational and collective well-being in nursing students during their training at a tertiary education institution

 

 

Kirsten D. WatkinsI; Vera RoosI; Engela Van der WaltII

ISchool for Psychosocial Behavioural Sciences, North-West University, South Africa
IISchool of Nursing Sciences, North-West University, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 


ABSTRACT

The well-being of nursing students has become crucial because of the multidimensional challenges that nursing professionals have to deal with. A community psychology framework was adopted in this study. The aim of the research was to explore the different dimensions of well-being as described by nursing students. A purposive and availability sample was used to gather qualitative data (interviews, focus groups and visual presentations) during 2008 and 2010 from first-year nursing students, which were thematically analysed. The emergent themes were grouped according to personal, relational and collective well-being. The findings indicated that nursing students' personal well-being was undermined by a lack of autonomy, feelings of uncertainty, and feelings of pressure and disillusionment with the nursing profession and their training. Personal well-being was also described in terms of dispositional optimism and the need for a sense of purpose and deeper meaning. Relational well-being was expressed by the nursing students in relation to their friends, family and lecturers. The different relationships were important sources of comfort and encouragement. Their collective well-being was threatened by a challenging work environment, lack of role models in clinical settings as well as incongruence between theoretical training and practical application. Recommendations for improving the different dimensions of well-being are suggested.


OPSOMMING

Die welsyn van verpleegkundestudente het deurslaggewend geword as gevolg van die uiteenlopende uitdagings wat verpleegkundiges moet hanteer. 'n Gemeenskapsielkunde raamwerk is in hierdie studie gebruik. Die doel van die navorsing was om die verskillende dimensies van welsyn van verpleegkundestudente te ondersoek. 'n Doelgerigte en beskikbaarheidsteekproef is gebruik om kwalitatiewe data (onderhoude, fokusgroepe en visuele voorstellings) wat gedurende 2008 en 2010 van eerstejaar-verpleegkundestudente bekom is, deur middel van tematiese inhoudsontleding te analiseer. Die temas wat na vore gekom het, is gegroepeer volgens persoonlike, verhoudings- en gemeenskaplike welsyn. Die bevindinge het aangedui dat die verpleegkundestudente se persoonlike welsyn ondermyn word deur 'n gebrek aan outonomie, gevoelens van onsekerheid en om onder druk te verkeer, asook 'n ontnugtering met die verpleegkunde professie en opleiding. Persoonlike welyn is ook beskryf in terme van 'n optimistiese ingesteldheid en die behoefte aan sinvolheid en 'n dieper betekenis. Verhoudingswelsyn is deur die verpleegkundestudente uitgedruk in terme van hulle verhouding met hul vriende, familie en dosente. Die verskillende verhoudings word as belangrike bronne van ondersteuning en aanmoediging geag. Gemeenskaplike welsyn word bedreig deur 'n uitdagende werksomgewing, die afwesigheid van rolmodelle in die kliniese omgewings asook die teenstrydigheid van die teoretiese opleiding met die praktiese toepassing daarvan. Aanbevelings vir die bevordering van welsyn in die verskillende dimensies word voorgestel.


 

 

“Full text available only in PDF format”

 

 

References

Alacacioglu, A., Yavuzsen, T., Dirioz, M., Oztop, I. & Yilmaz, U., 2009, 'Burnout in nurses and physicians working at an oncology department', Psycho-Oncology 18(5), 543-548. doi:10.1002/pon.1432, PMid:18942658        [ Links ]

Babbie, E., 2007, The practice of social research, 11th edn., Thomson/Wadsworth, Belmont, MA.         [ Links ]

Barker, R.G., 1968, Ecological psychology: Concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behaviour, Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA.         [ Links ]

Barker, R.G. & Schoggen, P., 1973, Qualities of community life: Methods of measuring environment and behavior applied to an American and an English town, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.         [ Links ]

Brannigan, E., 2009, 'Task shifting', Nursing Update 37, 36-37.         [ Links ]

Braun, V. & Clarke, V., 2006, 'Using thematic analysis in psychology', Qualitative Research in Psychology 3(2), 77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa        [ Links ]

Bronk, K.C., Hill, P., Lapsley, D., Talib, N. & Holmes, W.F., 2009, 'Purpose, hope, and life satisfaction among adolescents', Journal of Positive Psychology 6(4), 500-510.         [ Links ]

Brysiewicz, P. & Bruce, J., 2008, 'Emergency nursing in South Africa', International Emergency Nursing 16(2), 127-131. doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2008.01.001, PMid:18519064        [ Links ]

Bukowski, W.M., Newcomb, A.F. & Hartup, W.V., 1996, 'Friendship and its significance in childhood and adolescence: Introduction and comment', in W.M. Bukowski, A.F. Newcomb & W.V. Hartup (eds.), The Company They Keep: Friendship in childhood and adolescence, n.p., Cambridge University, New York.         [ Links ]

Carlson, S., Kotze, W.J. & Van Rooyen, D., 2003, 'Accompaniments needs of first year nursing students in the clinical learning environment', Curationis 26(2), 30-39. PMid:14596131        [ Links ]

Chabeli, M., 1999, 'Students nurses' learning needs and expectations in the clinical learning units', Curatonis 22(4), 24-28.         [ Links ]

Conrad, C. & Serlin, R.C., 2006, The Sage handbookfor research in education: engaging ideas and enriching inquiry, SAGE Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA.         [ Links ]

Cooper, D., Duggleby, W. & Penz, K., 2009, 'Hope, self-efficacy, spiritual well-being and job satisfaction', Journal of advanced nursing 65(11), 2376-2385. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05094.x, PMid:19737323        [ Links ]

Corey, G., 2008, Theory and practice of psychotherapy and counselling, Brooks Cole, Pacific Grove, CA.         [ Links ]

Csikszentmihalyi, M. & Csikszentmihalyi, I.S., 2006, A life worth living: Contributions to positive psychology, Oxford University Press, New York.         [ Links ]

Dalton, J.H., Elias, M.J. & Wandersman, A., 2003, Community Psychology: Linking Individuals and Communities, Wadsworth, Stamford, CT.         [ Links ]

Dolan, S.L., 2007, Stress, self-esteem, health and work, Palgrave Macmillan, New York.         [ Links ]

Evans, M.D.R. & Kelly, J., 2004, Australian Economy and Society 2002: Religion, Morality and Public Policy in International Perspective 1984-2002, The Federation Press, Sydney.         [ Links ]

Farrell, S.J., Aubty, T. & Coulombe, D., 2004, 'Neighborhoods and neighbors: Do they contribute to personal well-being?', Journal of community psychology 32(1), 9-25. doi:10.1002/jcop.10082        [ Links ]

Fink, G., 2000, Encyclopedia of Stress, Academic Press, London.         [ Links ]

Gillham, J.E., 2000, The Science of Optimism and Hope: Research Essays in Honor of Martin E.P. Seligman, Templeton Foundation Press, Philadelphia, PA.         [ Links ]

Graneheim, U.H. & Lundman, B., 2004, 'Qualitative content analysis in nursing research: concepts, procedures and measures to achieve trustworthiness', Nurse Education Today 24(2), 105-112. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2003.10.001, PMid:14769454        [ Links ]

Green, J. & Thorogood, N., 2004, Qualitative methods for health research, SAGE Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA.         [ Links ]

Hobfoll, S.E., 1986, Stress social support and women, Hemisphere, Washington DC.         [ Links ]

Huppert, J.D., Moser, J.S., Gershuny, B.S., Riggs, D.S., Spokas, M., Filip, J. et al., 2005, 'The relationship between obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress symptoms in clinical and non-clinical samples', Journal of Anxiety Disorders 19(1), 127-136. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2004.01.001, PMid:15488372        [ Links ]

Huppert, F.A., Baylis, N. & Keverne, B., 2005, Science of well-being, Oxford, New York.         [ Links ]

Jacobs, E. & Roodt, G., 2008, 'Organisational culture of hospitals to predict turnover intentions of professional nurses', Health SA Gesondheid 13(1), 63-78.         [ Links ]

Jones, M.C. & Johnston, D.W., 1997, 'Distress, stress and coping in first year student nurses', Journal of Advanced Nursing 26(45), 475-482. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.1997.t01-5-00999.x, PMid:9378866        [ Links ]

Kim, H.S., 1999, 'Critical reflective inquiry for knowledge development in nursing practice', Journal of advanced nursing 29(5), 1205-1212. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.1999.01005.x PMid:10320505        [ Links ]

Keenan, J., 1999, 'A concept analysis of autonomy', Journal of advanced nursing 29(3), 556-562. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.1999.00948.x, PMid:10210450        [ Links ]

Krefting, L., 1991, 'Rigor in qualitative research: The assessment of trustworthiness', The American journal of occupational therapy 45(3), 214-222.         [ Links ]

Lincoln, Y.S. & Guba, E.G., 1985, Naturalistic Inquiry, SAGE Publications, Newbury Park, CA.         [ Links ]

Lindop, E., 1999, 'A comparative study of stress between pre- and post-Project 2000 Students', Journal of Advanced Nursing 29(4), 967-973. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.1999.00974.x, PMid:10215990        [ Links ]

Lopez, S.J. & Snyder, C.R., 2002, Handbook of Positive Psychology, Oxford University Press, New York.         [ Links ]

Makupa, M.B. & Botes, A., 2000, 'The community health clinics as a learning context for student nurses', Curationis 23(3), 12-19. PMid:11949151        [ Links ]

Manning, A., Cronin, P., Monaghan, A. & Rawlings-Anderson, K., 2009, 'Supporting students in practise: An exploration of reflective groups as a means of support', Nurse Education in Practise 9(3), 176-183. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2008.07.001, PMid:18786861        [ Links ]

Marsh, H.W., 1992, 'Content specificity of relations between academic achievement and academic self-concept', Journal of Educational Psychology 84(1), 35-42. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.84.1.35        [ Links ]

Mascaro, N., Rosen, D.H. & Morey, L.C., 2004, 'The development, construct validity, and clinical utility of the spiritual meaning scale', Personality and Individual Differences 37(4), 845-860. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2003.12.011        [ Links ]

McDonald, D.A. & Crush, J., 2000, 'Understanding skilled migration in South Africa', Africa Insight 30(2), 10-20.         [ Links ]

McGrath, S.A., 2003, 'Sectoral insights into the scarce skills debate', HSRC Review 1(2), 10.         [ Links ]

Minnaar, A. & Selebi, C., 2009, 'Our greatest loss', Nursing Update 33(6), 29-35.         [ Links ]

Montmarquette, C., Mahseredjian, S. & Houle, S., 2001, 'The determinants of university student dropouts: a bivariate model with sample selection', Economics of Education Review 20(5), 475-484. doi:10.1016/S0272-7757(00)00029-7        [ Links ]

Nelson, G. & Prilleltensky, I., 2005, Community psychology: In pursuit of liberation and well-being, Palgrave MacMillan, China.         [ Links ]

Oermann, M.H., 1998, 'Differences in clinical experiences of AND and BSN students', Journal of Nursing education 37(5), 197-201. PMid:9605192        [ Links ]

Oosthuizen, M. & Ehlers, V.J., 2007, 'Factors that may influence South African nurses' decisions to emigrate', Health SA Gesondheid 12(2), 14-26.         [ Links ]

Pierce, G.R., 1997, The Sourcebook of Social Support and Personality, Plenum Press, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, New York.         [ Links ]

Prilleltensky, I. & Prilleltensky, O., 2006, Promoting well-being. Linking personal, organizational and community change, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey.         [ Links ]

Recker, G.T. & Wong, P.T.P., 1988, 'Aging as an individual process: Toward a theory of personal meaning', in J.E. Birrer & V.L. Bengtson (eds.), Emergent theories of aging, pp. 214-246, Springer Publishing Company, New York.         [ Links ]

Roberts, D., 2009, 'Friendship fosters learning: The importance of friendships in clinical practice', Nurse education in practice 9(6), 367-371. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2008.10.016, PMid:19084479        [ Links ]

Roos, V., (in press), 'The Mmogo-method: An Exploration of experiences through visual Projections', Qualitative Research in Psychology.         [ Links ]

Roos, V., 2008, 'The Mmogo-method discovering symbolic community interactions', Journal of Psychology in Africa 18(4), 659-668.         [ Links ]

Searle, C. & Pera, S.A., 1995, Professional practice: A South African perspective, Butterworths, Durban.         [ Links ]

Sheu, S., Lin, H.S. & Hwang, S.L., 2002, 'Perceived stress and physio-psycho-social status of nursing students during their initial period of clinical practice: the effect of coping behaviors', International Journal of Nursing Studies 39(2), 165-175. doi:10.1016/S0020-7489(01)00016-5        [ Links ]

Sivanathan, N., Arnold, K.A., Turner, N. &Barling, J., 2004'leading well: Transformational leadership and well-being', in P.A. Linky & S. Joseph (eds.), Positive Psychology in practice, pp.241-255, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New Jersey.         [ Links ]

Stommel, M. & Wills, C.E., 2004, Clinical research: Concepts and principles for advanced practise nurses, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA.         [ Links ]

Thomas, S. & Hume, G., 1998, 'Delegation competencies: Beginning practitioner's reflections', Nurse Educator 23(1), 38-41. PMid:9505694        [ Links ]

Wright, S.C.D., 2005, 'Student satisfaction', unpublished research, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria.         [ Links ]

 

 

Correspondence:
Vera Roos
Private Bag X6001
North-West University
Potchefstroom 2520
South Africa
vera.roos@nwu.ac.za

Received: 16 Mar. 2010
Accepted: 18 Feb. 2011
Publisher: 02 Sept. 2011

Creative Commons License All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License