Exploring the supernumerary status of student nurses in the clinical learning environment at two selected private nursing colleges in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Abstract

Background Nursing is a practice whereby learning in the clinical environment is just as important as the theoretical component. While specialised training and an abundance of knowledge and skill is required to synchronise patient care with the increased burden of disease globally, a report by the International Council of Nurses, has found that major changes in any healthcare system necessitates the need for nurses to upskill and acquire knowledge for the transition from a novice nurse to an expert. This has made clinical supervision necessary for the experiential foundation for nursing knowledge, skills, and values, allowing it to be to be integrated and applied in the clinical environment. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to describe the current role of student nurses registered in the Diploma in General Nursing programme and to explore the perceptions of student nurses of their supernumerary role in the clinical learning environment. Methodology A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design, was adopted, to explore the supernumerary status of student nurses in the clinical learning environment at two selected private nursing colleges in Durban, a city in the province of KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. Data was collected from in-depth, one-on-one interviews with twenty student nurses and the findings were analysed using Creswell’s step-bystep approach to data analysis. Findings Four major themes that emerged from the data analysis were a) Integration of theory and practice; b) Influences relating to the teaching and learning area; c) Supervision of nursing students; d) Communication. Conclusion Nursing care is a core element in the clinical environment as knowledge and skills are an integral part of clinical practice in a healthcare facility. Patient care has been given top priority in South Africa by SANC, Department of Health (DoH) the Council on Higher Education (CHE), legislation, guidelines, procedures and programmes, hence there was a need to change the nursing curriculum in 2020. The findings of this study hopefully, will generate awareness for the need to support and guide student nurses in achieving the specific learning outcomes as stipulated in the SANC curriculum, by allowing clinical practice opportunities. Therefore, an understanding of the evolving changes in the SANC curriculum regarding student nurses functioning under a supernumerary status in the clinical learning environment, will significantly contribute to the accomplishment of competent graduate nurses rendering holistic patient care.