Taking on the student role: how can we improve the experience of registered nurses returning to study?

Professional Confidence: A Powerful Enabling Mechanism in the Transition to Becoming a Specialist RN: Qualitative Findings from a Mixed Method Study

“…Findings reported included increased confidence as a result of completing a post-graduate course (Chaboyer & Retsas 1996, Chaboyer et al 2001, Glaze 2001) and increased self-confidence to challenge the status quo and make their own judgements (Platzer et al 2000). Lack of confidence and increased stress levels were reported as inextricably linked and based on a perceived lack of knowledge and skills (Taylor et al 1999). Lastly, as an outcome of completing postgraduate nursing courses, RNs reporting increased professionalism and a marked improvement in their clinical confidence, improved self-esteem and improved patient care (Pelletier et al 1998).…”

Matching nurse skill with patient acuity in the intensive care units: a risk management mandate

“…Whilst many nursing specialties are affected, critical care has been identified as one requiring immediate action (Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee 2002). Changes in the cycle of ‘supply and demand’, in part influenced by a trend towards workforce casualization and lifestyle flexibility options, have slowed improvements in recruitment and retention (Considine & Buchanan 1999, Taylor et al. 1999, Aiken et al.…”

Exploring registered nurses’ attitudes to postgraduate education for specialty practice in Australia

“…Pelletier et al (1998) also suggested that senior nurses may have felt that they lose 'seniority status' when they are studying with junior staff. In a qualitative study of stressors experienced by 15 critical care nursing students, Taylor et al (1999) reported that students were stressed by the 'conflicting aspects of their roles' as well as by the content covered in the course. Rassool and Oyefeso (2007) surveyed a group of 46 nurses enrolled in a postgraduate diploma in addictive behaviour.…”

“…Only 12 studies were identified that specifically reported the attitudes of registered nurses to postgraduate education being a prerequisite for specialty nursing practice (Armstrong & Adam, 2002;Duffield & Franks, 2001;Duffield & O'Brien-Pallas, 2002;Hardwick & Jordan, 2002;McCarthy & Evans, 2003;Pelletier, Donoghue, Duffield, & Adams, 1998a;Pelletier, Donoghue, et al, 1998b;Pelletier, Donoghue, Duffield, Adams, et al, 1998; P a g e 14 | 166 1994; Spence, 2004b;Taylor et al, 1999;Wilson-Barnett et al, 2000). Johnson and Copnell (2002) interviewed paediatric nurses undertaking a postgraduate course and found that significant numbers did not see having a paediatric postgraduate qualification as a necessary aspect of competent practice.…”

“…Additionally, registered nurses have reported that their expectations for their own practice had increased following study (C. Taylor et al, 1999).…”