Abstract
The transition from an occupational health nursing (OHN) student to a competent occupational health professional supporting worker health in industry is critical but often assumed to be seamless for new graduates. Key stakeholders, including educators, employers, and employees, expect newly qualified OHNs to possess the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality occupational care. However, previous studies have identified a gap between these expectations and the actual readiness to practise among new OHNs. In South Africa, there is limited research on how prepared newly qualified OHN specialists feel for practice and on the challenges and experiences they face during this transition.
Aim:
This study explored the practice readiness of newly qualified OHN specialists after obtaining their qualification from a higher education institution in the Gauteng province of South Africa.
Methods:
A qualitative, descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was employed. The accessible population consisted of newly qualified OHNs who graduated from a higher education institution between 2020 and 2023 and met the eligibility criteria. A purposive sampling method was used to select 12 participants. Data collection involved online, in-depth individual interviews, and analysis was conducted using Tesch’s thematic coding method. Trustworthiness was maintained by applying established criteria for credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, privacy, and beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
Findings:
(a) Challenges related to becoming an OHN specialist included limited workplace orientation, lack of mentorship, and feelings of unpreparedness when managing complex occupational health clinical situations. These factors contributed to anxiety and uncertainty during the transition period...