Intern-Nurses' Perception on Transition at Labasa Hospital, Fiji: A Qualitative Study

Aim: The transition of intern-nurses into the nursing workforce is a vital phase in the lives of intern-nurses. The transitional phase requires intern-nurses to assimilate in to the nursing culture and develop clinical expertise, while preparing for their nursing career through new experiences. This study aimed to explore the transitional experiences of Intern‒nurses.

Methodology: This is a qualitative phenomenological study conducted in Labasa, Fiji. Data were collected through a semi-structured in-depth interview of a convenient sample 22 intern-nurses. The interview data was transcribed verbatim and interpreted using thematic analysis.

Results: The study participants were between the ages of 22 and 26, only one participant was 46 years old. Out of the 22 participants, ten were currently working as intern nurses at Labasa Hospital while the remaining 12 had completed their internship less than five years ago and currently working in various units at Labasa Hospital. Subthemes that described transition were; achievement, learning, responsibility, accountability and stress. The subthemes were further divided into categories. The categories reflecting achievement are education achievement and role achievement. Similarly, the two categories that define learning are acquiring skills and knowledge and new discoveries. The subtheme responsibility is categorized into shift in responsibility and increase in responsibility, while the categories describing accountability are decision making and increase in liability. Additionally, stress is divided into two categories which are rotation and shift work.

Conclusion: The study suggests that transition into nursing is a dynamic phase in the lives of intern‒nurses. During this time the intern‒nurses need the support of colleagues, nurse unit managers and the nursing management to have a successful transition and become proficient nurses of the future. The findings of this study will help the nursing management of Labasa Hospital to improve the transitional experience for intern‒nurses.

Author(s): Devina Gaundan and Masoud Mohammadnezhad

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