Experiences of student nurses regarding the bursary system in KwaZulu Natal

Abstract

This is a qualitative study, the aim of which is to explore the experiences of student nurses regarding the bursary system in KwaZulu Natal. During 2010 nursing education was confronted with restructuring of student nurses from having a supernumerary status to being bursary holders (DOH, 2010:68). This study describes the experiences of changes that have emanated from introduction of the new bursary system. The experiences of students in this new system were explored. These include the legacy of institutional factors and benefits that have now been removed from the students which could hamper students‟ sense of belonging. The research was conducted in an attempt to make a significant contribution to the bursary subsidisers specifically in awareness of what student experiences have been in relation to introduction of the bursary system in KwaZulu Natal (KZN); and also to provide recommendations on how the bursary requirements could possibly be improved to enhance the student academic, clinical and socio-economic needs. A qualitative study design was used and data was collected using focus group interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who represent the target population. The sample used for the study included first-, second- and third- year male and female nursing students who are studying towards the Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Midwifery. A total of seven focus group interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. To ensure trustworthiness the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability were maintained. A digital voice recorder was utilised to capture all data and data was transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed by the researcher and an independent co-coder. Two (2) main themes and eight (8) sub-themes were identified. The findings indicated that most of the experiences of being in the bursary system as opposed to having supernumerary status has had many effects and has negatively impacted on students‟, socio-economic, psychological, clinical, academic and family demands. A very small amount of students responded positively. Many concerns related to staffing attitudes, shortages and staff demands on the students during clinical practice were highlighted. Conclusions drawn from the study are that the bursary system is not viewed as being of benefit to students as students feel they are not receiving the full complement of benefits from being bursary holders. Furthermore, there is no consideration made to them for support in clinical and academic areas considering the employee hours they have to work. The recommendations indicate that there is a great need to have the bursary system reviewed. The study is concluded with the final recommendations for policy-making, nursing practice, nursing research and nursing education. From this it is hoped that the students‟ needs are identified, resulting in enhancement of their training.