BackgroundClinical supervision plays a major role in the undergraduate nursing programme. There have been some local studies addressing clinical supervision; however, there still remains a lack of knowledge and understanding how to improve quality supervision of undergraduate nursing students. This article is based on the authors’ original thesis.ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students on clinical supervision.MethodA descriptive design with a qualitative approach using focus group interviews was used to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students regarding clinical supervision. Purposive sampling was used for selection of 36 participants. The participants needed to be enrolled at the institution under study, at the time of the study, as undergraduate nursing students in order to meet the inclusion criteria. The participants also needed to have worked at clinical facilities where they received clinical supervision. Nine (n = 9) students were purposively selected from each year level to participate in focus group interviews. The interviews were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe findings indicated both positive and negative experiences regarding clinical supervision. The results were tabulated in which the positive experiences were grouped together and were separated from the negative experiences of the undergraduate students. Positive experiences included the support that was received from supervisors. These were, however, overshadowed by many comments on negative experiences concerning the behaviour and competencies of the supervisors. The findings also confirmed that the students experienced differences in the clinical procedures demonstrated by various supervisors. Negative experiences that relate to abusive behaviour such as misuse of power were also found, as well the incongruence amongst clinical supervisors regarding clinical procedures. Recommendations were proposed to enhance clinical supervision and the learning experiences of student nurses.ConclusionThe study findings suggest a need for continuous professional development for clinical supervisors by means of in-service training as well as to maintain congruence by clinical supervisors when demonstrating clinical procedures.

Orientation: Regardless of the implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA), No. 55 of 1998 and the abolishment of apartheid in 1994, African and mixed-race females are under-represented in managerial positions in the public sector of the Western Cape (WC) in South Africa and nationally in the private health sector.Research purpose: The purpose was to explore the views of nurses about promotion to managerial positions in view of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) and the possible influence of race, class and gender.Motivation for the study: South Africa has a history of racial hierarchies and gender inequities. It was therefore important to explore the influence of the EEA and race, class and gender on the promotion of nurses in the post-apartheid context.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was completed. Six hundred and eighty-eight (n = 688) nurses consented to participate and 573 (83%) questionnaires were returned.Main findings: Race as a social construct surfaced in the superior viewing of white and the inferior viewing of African nurses. Mixed-race and white nurses seemed disgruntled with the EEA because of the benefits it holds for African nurses. African nurses seemed angered by their under-representation in managerial positions in the private and public sectors in the WC. White nurses seemed convinced that African, mixed-race and Indian nurses experience upward mobility. Mixed-race nurses (public sector WC) showed concerns about the career successes of males in a female-dominated profession.Practical/managerial implications: Managerial structures should be required to invest in diversity training, create awareness of the noble intentions of the EEA and communicate the relevance of employment equity plans.Contribution/value-add: The findings provided evidence that reflected a need for diversity training and the creation of awareness about the longstanding influence of racial and gender hierarchies.

Discriminatory behavior seems to persist in nursing in South Africa despite the presence of antidiscriminatory legislation. Little is known on the views of nurses on discrimination related to their basic rights in the workplace. The objective of this article is to report findings of discriminatory behavior among nurses regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and marital status. A cross-sectional descriptive survey (containing open- and close-ended questions) was conducted in public and private hospitals in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa and n = 573 (response rate 83%) registered nurses participated in the study. Most participants reported discrimination due to race ( n = 97, 17.4%) and age ( n = 58,10.4%). Statistically significant differences were found in that African nurses reported more discrimination in relation to religion than other races. A statistically significant difference was found in the responses to gender—more males than female nurses reported discriminatory behavior. Qualitative data reflected suggestions of hetero negativity among male nurses and that sexual orientation might enhance the promotion of those like oneself. Younger nurses are treated less respectful, while older nurses reported reduced developmental opportunities. African nurses described more discrimination due to race and are treated with disdain. Staff shortages, nurse staffing, and shift work seemingly enhance discriminatory practices with off duties. Nurses in the hospital environment seem to experience discrimination in relation to basic human rights resulting from an indifference among nurse management to uphold such rights.

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BackgroundThe Campus Health Service at Stellenbosch University has a sub-division, a sexual health clinic, which provides sexual health services. The clients of the sexual health clinic consist of staff members and students.AimThis article reports on the perceptions of clients that relate to awareness and the geographical location of the clinic.SettingThe Campus Health Service at Stellenbosch University’s main campus.MethodA descriptive qualitative approach was applied utilising in-depth interviews. A sample of n = 15 was drawn through purposive sampling and data saturation was achieved with the sample.ResultsThe following themes emerged from the data: location of the clinic, awareness of sexual health services and marketing and advertising.ConclusionThe findings of the study revealed that accessibility of the clinic is influenced by the geographical location of the clinic and that marketing and awareness of services require attention.