Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi
Abstract Background Literature shows that newly qualified nurse-midwives face challenges integrating into the workforce during their transition period from education to practice. However, little is known about the needs and challenges of Malawian nurse-midwives during their transition from education...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-01012-y |
| _version_ | 1828104403659259904 |
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| author | Mathews Brave Mtegha Elizabeth Chodzaza Ellen Chirwa Fatch Welcome Kalembo Maggie Zgambo |
| author_facet | Mathews Brave Mtegha Elizabeth Chodzaza Ellen Chirwa Fatch Welcome Kalembo Maggie Zgambo |
| author_sort | Mathews Brave Mtegha |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Literature shows that newly qualified nurse-midwives face challenges integrating into the workforce during their transition period from education to practice. However, little is known about the needs and challenges of Malawian nurse-midwives during their transition from education to practice. The aim of the study was to explore the transition experiences of newly qualified nurse-midwives working in selected midwifery units in Northern Malawi. Methodology A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guides from a purposive sample of 19 participants (13 newly qualified nurse-midwives and 6 key informants). The researchers developed two interview guides; one for the newly qualified nurse-midwives and another one for the key informants. The interview guides had questions related to newly qualified nurse-midwives experiences of transitioning to practice and the support they received. Participants were from three selected hospitals in the Northern part of Malawi that have maternity units. Data were analysed manually using thematic analysis. Findings Five themes related to challenges faced by newly qualified nurse-midwives during their transition to practice in midwifery units emerged from the thematic analysis of the data. These included (1) Theory—practice gap, (2) Lack of confidence and skills, (3) Inadequate resources, (4) Transition support system, and (5) Workplace conflict. Conclusion Newly qualified nurse-midwives in Malawi encounter many challenges while transitioning from education to practice. The study findings underscore the need to develop a national framework support system that could not only help newly qualified midwives adjust positively to their new role but also create more opportunities for learning and developing and strengthening a collaborative partnership between colleges and hospitals. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T09:45:13Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-42d4ff6cd07a4d7385a74c62f4c6ca19 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T09:45:13Z |
| publishDate | 2022-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj.art-42d4ff6cd07a4d7385a74c62f4c6ca192022-12-22T04:31:05ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552022-08-0121111210.1186/s12912-022-01012-yChallenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern MalawiMathews Brave Mtegha0Elizabeth Chodzaza1Ellen Chirwa2Fatch Welcome Kalembo3Maggie Zgambo4Department of Nursing and Midwifery, St Johns Institute for HealthSchool of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health SciencesSchool of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health SciencesSchool of Nursing, Curtin UniversitySchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan UniversityAbstract Background Literature shows that newly qualified nurse-midwives face challenges integrating into the workforce during their transition period from education to practice. However, little is known about the needs and challenges of Malawian nurse-midwives during their transition from education to practice. The aim of the study was to explore the transition experiences of newly qualified nurse-midwives working in selected midwifery units in Northern Malawi. Methodology A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guides from a purposive sample of 19 participants (13 newly qualified nurse-midwives and 6 key informants). The researchers developed two interview guides; one for the newly qualified nurse-midwives and another one for the key informants. The interview guides had questions related to newly qualified nurse-midwives experiences of transitioning to practice and the support they received. Participants were from three selected hospitals in the Northern part of Malawi that have maternity units. Data were analysed manually using thematic analysis. Findings Five themes related to challenges faced by newly qualified nurse-midwives during their transition to practice in midwifery units emerged from the thematic analysis of the data. These included (1) Theory—practice gap, (2) Lack of confidence and skills, (3) Inadequate resources, (4) Transition support system, and (5) Workplace conflict. Conclusion Newly qualified nurse-midwives in Malawi encounter many challenges while transitioning from education to practice. The study findings underscore the need to develop a national framework support system that could not only help newly qualified midwives adjust positively to their new role but also create more opportunities for learning and developing and strengthening a collaborative partnership between colleges and hospitals.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-01012-yNewly qualified midwivesTransition experienceTransition support programsTransition challenges of midwivesTransition to practice |
| spellingShingle | Mathews Brave Mtegha Elizabeth Chodzaza Ellen Chirwa Fatch Welcome Kalembo Maggie Zgambo Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi BMC Nursing Newly qualified midwives Transition experience Transition support programs Transition challenges of midwives Transition to practice |
| title | Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi |
| title_full | Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi |
| title_fullStr | Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi |
| title_full_unstemmed | Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi |
| title_short | Challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse-midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern Malawi |
| title_sort | challenges experienced by newly qualified nurse midwives transitioning to practice in selected midwifery settings in northern malawi |
| topic | Newly qualified midwives Transition experience Transition support programs Transition challenges of midwives Transition to practice |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-01012-y |
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