Abstract
M.Cur. (Nursing Education)
Nursing education is a process requlrlng the cooperation of all the parties
involved. The student nurse receives lectures on the theoretical aspects, at
the college while the substance of the theory must be based on and interpreted
in the clinical field. With the passage of time the student nurse finds
expression, gains the necessary experience and thus becomes a member of the
nursing profession. Internalization of the norms and values of the professional
group takes place within the framework of the student nurse's behavioral
patterns and self image.
The student nurse enters the profession with fixed expectations regarding her
participation and training. In general terms she is still regarded as young
and immature and yet she is expected to assume responsibilities which few in
the general public are ever required to take.
The prerequisites for the successful! professional socialization and the
acquisition of proficiency in the functions and tasks of nursing, are based
on continuous and optimal accompaniment of the student nurse by her registered
counterpart, who operates as an independent professional practitioner.
Clinical accompaniment implies that the registered nurse shall be at the side
of the student nurse to guide her every step of the way in order to support
her in the learning process, or to refine skills she previously acquired.:
A descriptive exploratory survey was undertaken by means of a questionnaire
submitted to student nurses and registered nurses of hospitals affiliated
with one college in the Transvaal. The aim of the study was "to establish
whether, and to what extent, the training function of the ward sister is
realized in practice.
Analysis of the data showed the ward sister to be aware of her training function
and her responsibility towards the student nurse as learner. It appears
that the ward sister believes herself to be adequately involved with the
basic care of patients and making a significant contribution to the training
of student· nurses. However, the observations and the experience of the
student nurse differ from this point of view. She is of the opinion that
more can be done in the ward to help her achieve her training needs. The
fact that in many cases she is primarily considered as a worker, comes as a
great disappointment.