Louise Allen

Supervisors: Professor Simon Cooper and Dr Karen Missen
School of Nursing and Healthcare Professions
l.allen@federation.edu.au

“Exploring Australian baccalaureate nursing students’ perceptions of nursing: A mixed method”

Nursing students experience difficulties when transitioning into the role of a qualified registered nurse. The stress and discontent experienced by these newly qualified nurses, often result in high attrition rates within the first year of practice. This phenomenon known as transition shock is thought to be contributed from social, emotional, knowledge and physical elements. While many studies focus on transition shock, studies related to nursing students perceptions of the reality of what it is like to be a nurse, are limited. It is hoped that by gaining a better ;understanding of nursing students’ perceptions and expectations of the nursing role, that future curriculum may be shaped accordingly ensuring that the future nursing workforce are better prepared for the role.

The purpose of this presentation is outline a research project aimed at exploring Australian nursing students’ perceptions of the registered nurses role at the three points of year level within the Bachelor of Nursing course. Using an explanatory sequential design, it is anticipated that each phase of research will inform the next. Data from surveys will explore student perceptions at year level intervals, while focus groups will provide insight and detail as to what influences these perceptions.

Louise Allen is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend and RTP Fee-Offset
Scholarship through Federation University Australia.