Background: Globally, inadequate transition processes for newly qualified registered nurses (NQRNs) contribute to high attrition rates, professional dissatisfaction, and poor patient outcomes. The shift from student nurse to independent practitioner is a pivotal stage in a nurse’s career, requiring the integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice, along with the development of problem-solving, leadership, and autonomous decision-making skills. Even in developed countries with established support systems, this transition remains challenging. In South Africa, newly qualified registered nurses face similarly, if not greater, challenges, despite the implementation of a mandatory 12-month Community Service Programme (CSP) as stipulated in Government Gazette Notice No. R425 of 22 February 1985. Although existing policies (SANC 2005) emphasize the importance of supportive work environments, the absence of a formalized transition support framework leaves NQRNs vulnerable to burnout, dissatisfaction, and compromised patient care. Objective: To explore and describe the transitional support needs of newly qualified registered nurses at selected public health care facilities in Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Limpopo Province. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used. The study was conducted across eight primary health care (PHC) facilities within the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province. A non-probability purposive sampling was used, where fifteen (15) participants were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Thematic open coding method. Trustworthiness was ensured, and ethical principles were upheld throughout the research process. Results: The findings revealed that NQRNs experience emotional stress, unrealistic expectations, and inadequate support during their transition into professional practice. Key support needs include access to wellness resources, structured mentoring, skills training, ethical guidance, institutional preparedness, and interdepartmental collaboration. These factors are crucial for developing emotional resilience, addressing workplace marginalization, and facilitating professional integration. Conclusion: Structured transitional support needs programs can significantly enhance the integration of newly qualified registered nurses into clinical practice. However, barriers such as inadequate orientation, skill gaps, role confusion, and strained relationships with preceptors can hinder this process.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization: T.D.N., L.E.M. and M.M.R.; Methodology: T.D.N., L.E.M. and M.M.R.; Formal analysis: T.D.N., L.E.M. and M.M.R.; Investigation: T.D.N.; Resources: T.D.N.; Data curation: T.D.N.; Writing—original draft preparation: T.D.N.; Writing—review and editing: T.D.N., L.E.M. and M.M.R.; Supervision: L.E.M. and M.M.R.; Project administration: T.D.N.; Funding acquisition: T.D.N. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) under Project Number: (TREC/1714/2023:PG) 4 December 2023.
Informed Consent Statement
Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their inclusion in the study. Written informed consent has been obtained from all participants to publish this paper.
Data Availability Statement
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, T.D.N. The data supporting the findings of this study are not publicly available due to privacy and confidentiality obligations.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest. No financial or personal relationships influenced the research presented in this manuscript.
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