Newly Graduated Swedish Nurses' Inadequacy in Developing Professional Competence

Abstract

Background: The learning process for student and recently graduated nurses during their transition to professional nursing is stressful and challenging. The aim of this study was to describe recent graduates' experiences of developing professional competence in their basic nursing program and during their first year. Method: A qualitative descriptive design with an inductive approach based on interviews with 11 nurses, with a qualitative content analysis. Results: Recently graduated nurses experience shortages and struggle to develop their professional competence. They find that reflection is a fundamental tool in the process of professional competence development. The competence gap is not between theoretical and practical knowledge, but rather between the university and health care organizations. Conclusion: Focusing on the intertwining of theoretical and practical knowledge can bridge the gap between these two organizations and create a foundation for lifelong learning of professional competence. Creating opportunities for reflection is central to the learning process. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 2020;51(2):65–74.]

Perceptions of managers regarding prerequisites for the development of professional competence of newly graduated nurses: A qualitative study

“…The perceptions of managers regarding prerequisites for how nurses develop professional competence are presented in three themes: (a) the importance of relationships with their teams and patients, (b) expectations regarding the development of practical skills and leadership skills, and (c) prerequisites for continuing learning by supportive structures and a mutual responsibility between the manager and the nurse. These themes can be related to the definition of competence development, which is considered a dynamic process of learning, mediating between the capacity of the nurse and the requirements of the profession (Eilström & Kock, 2008; Widarsson et al, 2020) and that it is the competence that is used which develops further.…”

“…A previous study showed that nurses struggled and experienced inadequacy in developing professional competence. Furthermore, they experienced that the university and healthcare organisations had different views regarding the competencies that are important in the nursing profession and different views of the learning process (Widarsson et al, 2020). There are similar findings in a review study on newly graduated nurses’ experiences of support (Gardiner & Sheen, 2016).…”

“…According to the definition of competence development, earlier described in present study, it is only the competence‐in‐use that will be developed (Eilström & Kock, 2008). In the study by Widarsson et al (2020), nurses expressed that they could not stay close to the patient in order to create relations, which limited their competence development. Clear structures are needed for the different aspects of nurses’ professional development for which the university and healthcare organisations are responsible.…”

“…Nurses participating in residency programmes are highly engaged and appreciate the opportunity to meet colleagues and reflect on their experiences (Olson‐Sitki et al, 2012; Widarsson et al, 2020). Furthermore, Olson‐Sitki et al (2012) concluded that the turnover rate decreases for nurses participating in residency programmes.…”

“…The requirements of the nursing profession are expected qualifications from a university on the one hand and from a healthcare setting on the other. However, previous research indicates that there are gaps between these requirements (Widarsson et al, 2020) and that supportive environment and institutional practice is needed (Phillips et al, 2014). Self‐understanding and self‐confidence are fundamental individual factors for competence development and understanding others.…”